Chart Compilation – Field and Office

Procedures and techniques employed in the compilation of new charts and in periodic revision of existing charts are detailed beginning with the initial data collection to the final printing and distribution of each chart. Related and yet independent field and office compilation procedures are listed and analyzed in the sequence in which they are performed. Special field and office compilation procedures utilized to reduce lag time between field survey and chart printing are also considered. The production of reliable nautical charts depend primarily on the ability to maintain them as dependable navigation instruments. This requires that the latest available hydrographic data be included on each chart edition, with each new edition occurring at a frequently established to match the revision need.