In the 19th century, it was said, sailors in Britain’s Royal Navy would swear by their ‘faith in God and an Admiralty chart’. Whether crossing oceans or approaching land, accurate and up-to-date nautical charts are essential to safe navigation. In a naval context, they are also critical planning tools for potential combat at sea, and for bombarding foes ashore.
Charts are more than just maps with water features. They include detailed information about navigational landmarks, such as prominent hills, local deviation of the compass from true north, water depths, composition of the seabed, safe anchorages and all manner of submerged hazards – from reefs to shipwrecks. They also share currents, prevailing winds and the topography of the nearby landscape. Sometimes, the technical finesse involved in their creation elevates charts to…