Nautical Maps

• What is the largest map you can fabricate?  There is no limit to the size of a map we can build.  There are practical limits that will impact shipping and installation, but we work closely with our customers on these special requirements.
• What type of 3D maps can you fabricate?  All types.  Satellite Maps, Terrain Maps, Topographical Maps, Raised Relief Maps, USGS Maps, Contour Maps, and many more.
• Can you fabricate with different technologies and materials? Yes.  Our most common fabrication technology is 3D Printing, but we can also build 3D Maps with CNC Cutting, 3D Foam, Molding/Casting, Thermoforming, and Sculpting.
• What materials can you 3D print in?  We match the correct material and fabrication process to your requirements in terms of presentation, size, and transportability.  We can 3D print in PLA, FDM, Full-Color Sandstone, UV-cured resin, plastic, rubber-like, acrylic, and nylon – as well as combining multiple technologies.
• Can you sign a Non-disclosure Agreement that you supply?  Yes.
• How long will it take to create my map?  That depends on the design and size of the map.  A more complex or detailed map will take longer than a simple map, we can’t really say exactly how long it will take until we have the chance to understand what type of map you want fabricated.  Generally, smaller standard maps can be a couple of weeks and large museum exhibition maps can be 6 months.
• What do you need from me to start the map fabrication?  Boundaries are a good place to start.  Determining map styles, sizes, height (may be exaggerated), and cabinetry needs are all part of the process.  Special design features can also be added.

• What is a nautical map?  A nautical map, also known as a nautical chart or sea chart, is a specialized type of map used for navigation on water.  Nautical maps are designed to provide mariners with important information about the features of the sea floor, the location of navigational hazards, and other details that are crucial for safe navigation.

  Nautical maps are typically produced by national hydrographic offices or other organizations responsible for maintaining navigation aids and information for mariners.  They are based on hydrographic surveys, which use sonar technology to measure the depth and shape of the sea floor.

  Nautical maps include a variety of symbols and labels to help mariners navigate safely.  These can include:

  • Soundings:  measurements of the depth of the water at various points
  • Contour lines:  lines connecting points of equal depth, which help to show the shape of the sea floor
  • Navigational hazards:  symbols indicating the location of rocks, shoals, wrecks, and other obstacles to navigation
  • Aids to navigation:  symbols indicating the location of lighthouses, buoys, beacons, and other markers used for navigation
  • Shoreline features:  symbols indicating the location of beaches, cliffs, and other features near the shoreline

  Nautical maps also include information about tides, currents, and other factors that can affect navigation. They are an essential tool for mariners of all kinds, from recreational boaters to commercial shipping vessels, and are used to plan safe routes, avoid hazards, and ensure the safety of those on board.

• What do nautical maps show?  Nautical maps, also known as nautical charts or sea charts, show a range of important information for safe navigation on water.  Some of the key features that nautical maps show include:

  1. Water depth:  Nautical maps provide information on the depth of the water in various areas, which is crucial for safe navigation and avoiding grounding.

  2. Shoreline details:  Nautical maps provide information on the shoreline, including the location of harbors, bays, inlets, and beaches.

  3. Underwater features:  Nautical maps show the location of underwater features such as rocks, shoals, and shipwrecks that can pose a hazard to navigation.

  4. Navigation aids:  Nautical maps show the location of navigation aids such as buoys, lighthouses, beacons, and markers that help mariners navigate safely.

  5. Weather and environmental features:  Nautical maps may also show weather and environmental features that can impact navigation, such as tides, currents, and wind patterns.

  6. Maritime boundaries:  Nautical maps may show maritime boundaries between countries, including territorial waters, exclusive economic zones, and international waters.

• What is a nautical mile map?  There is no such thing as a “nautical mile map.”  A nautical mile is a unit of measurement used in navigation to measure distances at sea, and is equivalent to 1.852 kilometers or approximately 1.151 miles.

  Nautical maps, also known as nautical charts or sea charts, do use the nautical mile as a unit of measurement to indicate distances between points on the map.  However, a nautical chart is not specifically a “nautical mile map” but a map that uses nautical miles as a unit of measurement.

  Nautical charts are specialized maps used for navigation on water, and provide a range of information to mariners including water depths, navigational hazards, aids to navigation, and other important details for safe navigation.

• How do you measure distance on a nautical map?  To measure distance on a nautical map, you can use a compass or a pair of dividers.

  First, place one point of the compass or dividers at the starting point of the distance you want to measure on the map.  Then, keeping the other point fixed, rotate the compass or dividers until the point is aligned with the endpoint of the distance you want to measure.  Finally, read the distance on the compass or dividers, which will give you the distance between the two points in nautical miles.

  It’s important to note that nautical miles are different from regular miles, so you should make sure you’re using the correct units when measuring distance on a nautical map.  Additionally, nautical maps often have a scale bar that can help you convert the distance on the map to the actual distance on the water.

• How are nautical maps made?  Nautical maps, also known as nautical charts, are specialized maps that are designed for use by mariners and sailors. These maps show navigational information such as water depths, shoreline features, and navigational hazards, and are used to help sailors navigate safely on the water.

  Nautical maps are created using a variety of techniques, including:

  1. Hydrographic Surveys:  This involves using specialized equipment such as sonar and radar to measure water depths and map the seafloor.  The data collected is then used to create detailed depth charts that show the contours of the ocean floor.

  2. Aerial Photography:  High-resolution aerial photographs can be used to create maps of shorelines and coastal areas.  These photographs are then overlaid with other data, such as depth charts, to create a complete nautical map.

  3. Satellite Imagery:  Satellite imagery can be used to create maps of large bodies of water, such as oceans and seas.  This technique is particularly useful for creating maps of remote areas that are difficult to survey using traditional methods.

  Once the data has been collected, it is processed and compiled into a nautical chart.  The chart typically includes information on water depths, shoreline features, navigational hazards, and other information that is relevant to mariners.  The chart is then updated regularly to ensure that it remains accurate and up-to-date.

• How do scientists collect data for nautical maps?  Scientists collect data for nautical maps through a process called hydrographic surveying.  This involves using specialized equipment and techniques to measure the depth and shape of the ocean floor, as well as the location and nature of any underwater hazards that may pose a risk to navigation.

  There are several methods that scientists use to collect data for nautical maps, including:

  1. Multibeam Sonar:  This involves using a specialized sonar system to send out multiple beams of sound waves, which bounce off the ocean floor and return to the ship.  By measuring the time it takes for the sound waves to travel to the ocean floor and back, scientists can create detailed 3D maps of the seafloor.

  2. Single Beam Sonar:  This involves using a single beam of sound waves to measure the depth of the ocean floor. While less accurate than multibeam sonar, this method is often used in shallower waters or areas where multibeam sonar is not practical.

  3. LIDAR:  This involves using laser pulses to measure the depth of the ocean floor.  This method is often used in shallow waters or areas where traditional sonar systems may not be effective.

  4. Gravimetry:  This involves measuring small variations in the Earth’s gravitational field to map the seafloor.  This method is particularly useful for mapping large, deep-sea features such as trenches and ridges.

  Once the data has been collected, it is processed and analyzed to create detailed nautical maps that can be used by mariners to navigate safely on the water.  These maps are regularly updated to ensure that they remain accurate and up-to-date.

• Who uses nautical maps?  Nautical maps, also known as nautical charts, are primarily used by mariners and sailors to navigate safely on the water.  This includes:

  1. Commercial Shipping:  Nautical charts are essential for commercial shipping companies, which rely on accurate and up-to-date maps to navigate their vessels safely and efficiently.

  2. Recreational Boaters:  Recreational boaters, such as those who enjoy fishing, sailing, or cruising, also use nautical charts to navigate safely on the water and avoid hazards.

  3. Military and Government Agencies:  Nautical charts are used by military and government agencies for a variety of purposes, including naval operations, search and rescue missions, and environmental monitoring.

  4. Scientists and Researchers:  Scientists and researchers who study the ocean and its ecosystems also use nautical charts to plan and conduct research expeditions.

• How do I read a nautical map?  Reading a nautical map, also known as a nautical chart, can seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice, it can become quite straightforward.  Here are the basic steps to reading a nautical chart:

  1. Understand the Scale:  The scale of a nautical chart tells you how much the map has been reduced in size from the actual area it represents.  It is typically located in the margin of the chart and is expressed as a ratio (e.g. 1:50,000). This means that one unit of measurement on the chart represents 50,000 units of measurement on the actual surface of the earth.

  2. Identify the Symbols and Abbreviations:  Nautical charts use a variety of symbols and abbreviations to represent different features and landmarks on the water.  These can include navigational aids, underwater hazards, shoreline features, and more.  A key or legend is usually provided on the chart to help you understand these symbols.

  3. Find the Depth Soundings:  The depth soundings, which are shown as lines or numbers on the chart, indicate the water depth at different points.  These can help you navigate safely and avoid running aground.

  4. Pay Attention to the Compass Rose:  The compass rose, which is typically located in the center of the chart, shows the orientation of the map in relation to true north.  This can help you orient yourself and navigate in the correct direction.

  5. Look for Additional Information:  Nautical charts may also include information such as tidal currents, water temperature, and weather patterns.  Paying attention to this additional information can help you plan your route and navigate safely.

• What is a fathom?  A fathom is a unit of measurement used to indicate depth in nautical settings.  It is equivalent to 6 feet, or approximately 1.8 meters.  The term “fathom” comes from the Old English word “faedm” meaning “outstretched arms,” and was originally based on the distance between a man’s outstretched arms.

  In nautical charts and maps, depths are often indicated in fathoms rather than in feet or meters.  This is because fathoms are a more convenient unit of measurement for depth in a marine environment, where water depths can vary greatly and quickly.  For example, a depth of 20 fathoms would indicate a depth of 120 feet (or 36.5 meters).

  Fathoms are still used today in navigation and marine activities, including commercial shipping, fishing, and recreational boating.  Understanding the concept of a fathom is essential for safely navigating in shallow waters and avoiding underwater hazards.

• How do I draw a nautical map?   Drawing a nautical map, also known as a nautical chart, is a complex process that requires specialized knowledge and equipment.  Here are the general steps involved in creating a nautical chart:

  1. Conduct a Hydrographic Survey:  The first step in creating a nautical chart is to conduct a hydrographic survey of the area.  This involves using specialized equipment, such as sonar and depth sounders, to measure the depth of the water and map the seafloor.  The survey data is then used to create a detailed topographic map of the area.

  2. Compile Data:  In addition to the survey data, other data sources may be used to create a nautical chart.  This can include satellite imagery, aerial photographs, and information from previous surveys.

  3. Create the Chart:  The data is then compiled and entered into specialized computer software, which is used to create the nautical chart.  The chart must include accurate and detailed information on the depth of the water, navigational aids, underwater hazards, shoreline features, and more.  The chart must also meet specific standards for accuracy, readability, and usability.

  4. Print and Distribute the Chart:  Once the nautical chart has been created, it is printed and distributed to users.  This can include commercial shipping companies, recreational boaters, government agencies, and others.

Do you have a question we didn’t answer? Don’t hesitate to contact us at 1-385-206-8700 or [email protected].