🔍 Key Concepts
• Standard chart scale categories used by NOAA and NGA (e.g., harbor, coastal, general, sailing)
• How the size of the scale denominator (e.g., 1:20,000 vs 1:160,000 vs 1:1,000,000) relates to the level of detail
• Typical use of each chart type: harbor approach, coastal navigation, ocean passage
💭 Think About
• Compare 1:160,000 with a much larger-scale harbor chart like 1:10,000–1:25,000. Which shows more detail? Which would 1:160,000 more closely resemble?
• Think about which chart types are intended for offshore/ocean passage versus near-coastal versus detailed harbor work.
• Ask yourself: would you normally use a 1:160,000 chart for close-in piloting alongside docks, or for broader-area route planning along a coastline?
✅ Before You Answer
• Verify the approximate scale ranges commonly associated with harbor, coastal, general, and sailing charts in your study materials.
• Confirm whether larger-scale (smaller denominator) or smaller-scale (larger denominator) charts show more detail.
• Check which chart type is normally used for offshore route planning versus nearshore/coastal navigation.