🔍 Key Concepts

• Meaning of chart abbreviations and symbols on NOAA charts • How special-purpose points used for communications or reporting are shown on charts • Difference between natural features, man-made structures, and charted reference points

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: does this symbol (circle with a dot) usually represent a physical object you can see, or a reference/position on the chart? • Consider what type of feature would be important enough to label with a specific abbreviation like 'CUP' on a coastal chart. • Think about where such points would logically be placed: offshore in traffic areas, on land, or on high ground?

✅ Before You Answer

• Check the Chart No. 1 section for symbols that are a circle with a dot in the center and note what category they fall under. • Verify whether CUP is more likely to be an abbreviation for a visual landmark, a terrain feature, or a communications/reporting function. • Confirm whether such symbols near busy coasts are typically related to vessel traffic/communications or to topographic terrain features.