What is a chart? Is it a map? To answer this let us look at the definition for both terms. A chart as Tom Garrison, a science professor, defines the term is a "graphic representation that primarily depict water and water related information." (Oceanography pg.26). A map on the contrary shows a graph that "primarily represent land."(Oceanography pg.26). People commonly think a map and a chart have similarities, and in fact they do have similarities. As a matter of a fact, at the time we are using a nautical chart some classmates call charts maps. Calling charts "maps" is a bit confusing for a person who recognizes the difference. However, by definition they are different in the physical aspect. In terms of use they own …show more content…
A chart depicts a significant amount of detail in the way it represents the coastline, which notes every detail of the coast. Charts also depict bathymetric features "sea mounts, submarine canyons, ridges, trenches, shelves, and mid-ocean ridges"(Marine Science 100 pg.30) A map does depict details of the land it represents, but it will not be specific. For example, a navigator on his way to open ocean will notice the depth drops more than 100 fathoms. This means the navigator will pass the continental shelf "The shallow submerged extension of a continent" (Oceanography pg.111), and go to open sea. Contrary to this, a map that depicts a freeway on a hill will only show the freeway and it will barely show any physical aspects of the land, like the height of the hill. Maps also do not depict the surface very well. For instance, when traveling on a road it will not show potholes or landslides. Indeed, a chart contains much more detail and is useful when navigating. A map is primarily for the use of traveling on land. While traveling longitude and latitude are in use by the user. For example, say a person is traveling and gets lost. In this case the traveler will use a compass and a map to determine their location, and then find their destination by plotting their location. Charts are primarily for the use of traveling in the ocean and they do use longitude and latitude; however, a user depends on the depths of the water which is in fathoms(1=6ft.). Why? Say that as the navigator is traveling out in the ocean when suddenly he sees the water rising from 1000 fathoms to 100 fathoms; quickly, the navigator then quickly changes course or face colliding with a new island in the pacific, Loihi. Charts are useful for marine