How to Read a Nautical Chart : A Complete Guide to the Symbols, Abbreviations, and Data Displayed on Nautical Charts [Paperback]

Nigel Calder (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0071376151 | ISBN-13: 978-0071376150 | Publication Date: August 5, 2002 | Edition: 1

The best handbook on chart usage, from one of the most trusted names in boating

In 2000, the U.S. government ceased publication of Chart No. 1, the invaluable little book that generations of mariners have consulted to make sense of the complex system of signs, symbols, and graphic elements used in nautical charts. Now Chart No. 1 is not just reborn but expanded and improved in How to Read a Nautical Chart. The demand for a book like this has never been greater.

Arranged and edited by Nigel Calder, one of today's most respected boating authors, --and containing four-color illustrations throughout,-- How to Read a Nautical Chart presents a number of original features that help readers make optimum use of the data found in Chart No. 1, including a more intuitive format, crucial background information, international chart symbol equivalents, electronic chart symbology, and thorough explanations of the practical aspects of nautical chart reading.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Here is everything the navigator needs to know about the nautical chart, attractively produced in a large paperback edition...informative and enjoyable. Cruising 20050803

From the Back Cover

"Calder has done it again. This comprehensive and, as importantly, readable book on navigation should be required on all boats."--Peter Nielsen, editor, SAIL magazine

"This is a wonderful chart companion: an intriguing investigation of chart development combined with practical, hands-on data on how to really put a chart to use."--Tim Queeney, editor, Ocean Navigator

Charts, whether paper or electronic, are your most fundamental navigational tool. Using them to your best advantage requires a thorough understanding of the symbols and abbreviations and an awareness of the limits of accuracy in positions and soundings.

Did you know, for example, that hydrographic standards used to collect the majority of data on modern charts are considerably less accurate than GPS position fixes? That the majority of soundings still come from lead-line surveys? That a wreck symbol surrounded by a dotted circle means it is considered dangerous? That there are four different kinds of rock symbols, each with a different meaning? And that the definition of "danger" has changed over time and will depend on the age of your charts?

In How to Read a Nautical Chart, trusted boating authority Nigel Calder answers these and hundreds of other questions clearly and concisely. He covers in detail:

• Fundamental chartmaking concepts in plain language
• The limits of accuracy of modern charts (paper and electronic)
• Dozens of full-scale illustrations from actual charts
• Expanded versions of U.S., British, and international chart symbology descriptions contained in NOAA's Chart No. 1, the British Admiralty's Chart 5011, and the IHO's INT-1
• And much more essential information designed to improve vital chart-reading skills

How to Read a Nautical Chart should be on every navigator's bookshelf.

"Nigel's enthusiasm and insight turn a mundane chart into a map of buried treasure. Every navigator should stow a copy in the chart table."--Paul Gelder, deputy editor, Yachting Monthly

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press; 1 edition (August 5, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071376151
• ISBN-13: 978-0071376150
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #54,291 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #20 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Outdoor Recreation > Boating
  • #27 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Outdoor Recreation > Sailing
  • #35 in Books > Professional & Technical > Transportation > Ships

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating book, August 7, 2005

By 

David Dennis (West Palm Beach, FL United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How to Read a Nautical Chart : A Complete Guide to the Symbols, Abbreviations, and Data Displayed on Nautical Charts (Paperback)

I picked it up expecting a summary of the symbols in nautical charts and wondering why on earth anyone would write a book on such a simple subject.

What this book actually does is show why your charts might be completely inaccurate compared to GPS information and what you can do about it. It's something nobody who depends on the information in charts should be without.

It's also highly technical material and although the author's explanations are lucid and clear, it's inherently not the easiest book to read. But the information there is crucial, especially if you're planning to rely on GPS navigation and electronic charts.

The bottom line message is that many charts do not use the same way of mapping the earth as your GPS, and so navigational hazards placed on the charts may not precisely line up with information plotted off a GPS. This is particularly hazardous when you have an integrated GPS/chart plotter, which makes it appear that everything's precisely in sync. In addition, much of the information on charts as created by chart makers is not as accurately positioned as a GPS might make you think. Many charts are quite inaccurate compared to GPS.

This is important stuff and it should be emphasized that not understanding this fully and blindly relying on electronics may cause you to lose your boat.

I think it's well worth defending this book from other reviewers, who clearly didn't take the time to understand the arguments laid out so carefully by the author. For coastal cruisers who only go out in good weather, this book is probably overkill. But if you're doing long-distance cruising, these arguments could save your boat.

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Do it yourself navigation, September 18, 2004

By 

George C. Wolfe (North Carolina) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How to Read a Nautical Chart : A Complete Guide to the Symbols, Abbreviations, and Data Displayed on Nautical Charts (Paperback)

This is an excellent book. It is well organized, and the illustrations are large enough that you can actually see what the author is talking about. If you are new to navigation, the "Includes Chart No. 1" on the cover will be confusing. The government no longer publishes Chart No. 1, which was a guide to symbols on nautical charts. The author included the entire contents of "Chart No. 1" in the text of the book, so don't look for a seperate item labled "Chart No. 1."

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clear and in-depth, July 20, 2005

By 

Patrick Goold (Portsmouth, VA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: How to Read a Nautical Chart : A Complete Guide to the Symbols, Abbreviations, and Data Displayed on Nautical Charts (Paperback)

I am sorry that previous reviewers, who really wanted something a lot less that this book offers, have chosen to diss this book because it offers so much. I once picked up a copy of a Henry James novel to take along as a light read on a camping trip. A mistake. But I would not criticize James for not meeting my more limited need. It was my mistake. Anyway, Calder's book is excellent and provides wonderful insight into the difficulties of making charts, and of reading them. Especially insightful on the dangers and values of chartplotters. I consider this an excellent resource for people who really want to understand all that a chart can tell them and also its limits. Excellent, excellent, excellent!