NOAA Digital Nautical Charts
Overview | Data Availability | Data Access | Selecting Files | Using Charts in ArcView | Documentation and Links
(From reduced resolution 85 dpi image)
Overview
Nautical charts are navigational tools used for safe passage of waterborne commerce. Nautical charts can also serve as base maps for resource management and shoreline development planning. Charts depict the location of the shoreline, minimum water depths, aids to navigation, hazards to navigation and more. The charts are produced by the Office of Coast Survey (a component of the National Ocean Service which is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, (NOAA)). Paper-based Nautical Charts are available in the D.H. Hill Library reference maps area. Digital, commercial versions of the nautical charts have been created by Maptech under an exclusive agreement with NOAA. The digital data are available on CD-ROM in a propietary image format (BSB) at 254 dpi resolution. The digital data can be viewed in ArcView using the freely downloadable Chart Viewer extension from NOAA. Nautical charts are also viewable as lower resolution (85 dpi) GIF's on the web in conjunction with the NOS MapFinder For more information see the Nautical Charts Abstract & Description, annotated example, and metadata.
NOTE: Those looking for estuarine bathymetry data for the coastal sounds and lower river reaches should look at the estuarine bathymetry data downloadable in DEM format from NOAA at http://mapfinder.nos.noaa.gov/.
Data Availability
The Libraries own a copy of Maptech Chartkit CD-ROM Region 6: Intracoastal Waterway: Norfolk VA to Florida (see coverage). Data for other areas can be purchased from Maptech. Reduced resolution (85 dpi) GIF versions can be viewed online through the NOS MapFinder.
Data Access
License restrictions prohibit direct network access to this data. To gain access to this CD please contact Data Services. Reduced resolution (85 dpi) GIF versions can be viewed online through the NOS MapFinder.
Selecting Files
Individual charts can be located by region using the NOS MapFinder using the following steps:
* Click on Find Maps
* Check the box by Nautical Charts
* Click on North Carolina on the map
* Select the Zoom In radio button and click on an area of interest on the map
* Select List Products and click on the map or zoom in further.
* Nautical Charts can also be located using the NOAA/NOS Office of Coast Survey Nautical Charts locator.
Using Digital Nautical Charts
Digital Nautical Charts can be used in ArcView using the freely downloadable Chart Viewer extension, which reads the proprietary BSB image format. A paper describing development and use of the extension and an FAQ are available.
Because the charts are primarily in Mercator projection, users may wish to reproject the data. NOAA has developed a freely downloadable reprojection tool, which reads a BSB format file, reprojects it to the users specification, and outputs a new BSB format file. Approximately 30 projections are available using the general cartographic transform package (GCTP) subroutines available from the USGS. The ability to change datum is included.
Documentation and Links
Nautical Charts Abstract & Description
Annotated Example
Metadata
Office of Coast Survey
NOS MapFinder
NOAA/NOS Office of Coast Survey Nautical Charts locator
Maptech
Chart Viewer ArcView Extension
Chart Reprojection Tool
Vector Nautical Charts
Raster Chart Display Systems Site
Go to the Libraries GIS Data List Page
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