The Map Library holds nautical and aeronautical charts in sets for both United States and international waters and air spaces. The paper charts in the Map Library are not current and are not to be used for boating or flight activities.
A nautical chart is a map designed to be used for navigation by watercraft. Nautical charts provide information on dangerous tides and other hazards of the water. These charts may also show water depths, coastal features, seabed features, locations of navigation aids, information on currents, and human-made structures such as lighthouses, harbors, and bridges. Nautical charts for domestic (United States) waters are produced by the Office of Coast Survey in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Charts for international/foreign waters are produced by the National Geospatial-Information Agency (NGA) Maritime Safety Information Office. Generally, paper nautical charts are no longer available for purchase from the United States government. Information about obtaining nautical charts is available at agency websites.
An aeronautical chart is a map designed to be used for navigation by aircraft. Like any road map, these charts are to help captains and pilots to determine their location and choose the best course. Aeronautical charts supply information about what altitudes are safest in certain areas, air currents to be aware of, airports, designated no-fly zones, and safe landing places. Charts for United States air space are produced by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the US Department of Transportation. The Defense Logistics Agency is responsible for distributing National Geospatial-Information Agency aeronautical charts for foreign air space and other Flight Information Publications (FLIPs). As with the nautical charts, aeronautical charts are no longer available as printed products but as electronic charts.
Information in the Library’s online catalog does not reflect complete holdings of nautical and aeronautical charts in the Map Library. Please contact the Map Library for more information.
Books on Nautical and Aeronautical Charts
How to Read a Nautical Chart: A Complete Guide to the Symbols, Abbreviations, and Data Displayed on Nautical Charts by Nigel Calder (2012).
Understanding a Nautical Chart: A Practical Guide to Safe Navigation by Paul Boissier (2011).