Raster Charts - The Best Navigation Tools

Raster charts are easy-to-use and clearly-plotted digital charts largely used by sailors and mariners during a navigation course. You can regard them as your best navigation tool. These charts are perfectly suited for passage planning and shore-based applications. They contain the most up-to-date information about ports, waterways, traffic, water depth, and underwater threats. The information provided by these charts help navigators sail safely. Unlike traditional nautical charts that are printed on paper and need to be updated manually at times, raster charts are available in digital formats and can be easily updated using Admiralty free update services.

If you are a sailor or running a shipping company, Raster charts can be the perfect choice for planning voyages, monitoring passages and incident management. They provide a full coverage of global commercial shipping routes, major ports and harbors. These charts use various scales for coastal navigation, passage planning, ocean crossing and port entrance. Those looking to navigate in busy waterways are suggested to use the largest scale charts. Using these charts, you can reach your destination without bearing any risk. The information on these charts is displayed using different symbols. So, the sailor must familiar with these symbols. Symbols depict landmarks, water depth, channels, obstructions, buoys and other voyage related information in the best possible manner.

Limit Marine Accidents with the Use Of Nautical Navigation Charts

Marine navigation, as the term suggests, is an art of finding way at sea. To navigate from one point to the other, sailors have to think appropriately and take a right decision. Historically, navigators determined directions by the observation of sun and stars. However, today, methods of navigation have changed and sailors in the present world; navigate by means of nautical marine navigation charts. A nautical chart, by providing important data about sea depth helps sailors navigate safely.

A nautical chart can be considered as a road map to waterways and oceans. A thorough understanding about nautical charts can help you avoid the rocks and dangerous shallow areas. Without this important chart and moreover, if you are not aware of the different symbols, you are at risk of accidents. By showing water depths, buoys, landmarks, and other topographic features, this significant tool help in navigation.

Today, the traditional charts have been replaced by electronic charts which introduced a new navigation methodology. With the help of an electronic chart, a sailor can sail his ship anywhere in the world. Furthermore, they are key methods to limit marine accidents.
Navigating the oceans can be challenging. However, with a nautical chart, you master the art of navigation. So, make use of nautical charts and navigate the sea smoothly and safely.