navigation chart

This term refers specifically to a technical tool used in maritime or aeronautical contexts. While a standard map provides a general overview of geography, a navigation chart is a precision instrument designed for safety and accuracy, focusing on bathymetry, beacons, and hazards that would be irrelevant on a terrestrial map.

In modern professional settings, the term often encompasses both traditional paper charts and Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs). Users typically plot a course on these charts using specialized tools to ensure the vessel remains in deep water and avoids submerged obstacles.