INTRODUCTION

Have you noticed that land features represented on a flat plane are called topographic
maps while features represented on the ocean are called nautical charts? While the two may seem
to be interchangeable, you'll never be accepted as the salty dog you think you are if you ever
refer to a nautical chart as a map. While maps are generally thought of as graphical
representations of an area of land, a "chart" typically means that specific information about the
ocean is provided in a specific format. Ironically, you could have a 'map' of the ocean floor.

In this case of study, we have to differentiate the differences between Topographic Maps
and Nautical Chart. A map is a way of representing on a two-dimensional surface, (a paper, a
computer monitor, etc.) any real-world location or object. Many maps only deal with the two-
dimensional location of an object without taking into account its elevation. Topographic maps on
the other hand do deal with the third dimension by using contour lines to show elevation change
on the surface of the earth, (or below the surface of the ocean).it also maps that deal with the
surface changes on the earth.

Nautical chart provides the safe route to ships in seawater. The chart represents the
bathymetric topography and facilitates with other navigational aids. So, role of nautical chart for
navigation is like a torch at night. It has, therefore, become mandatory for producing authority to
be precise and accurate about all information incorporated during the preparation of the nautical
chart. The types of information included are results of various local and regional surveys,
geodetic information like projection, scale and reference datum, which characterize nautical
charts, nature of seabed, and tidal information. Nautical charts also contain navigational aids of
visual, audible and radar type. It has shallow water line information like danger zone, inter-tidal
region and coastline. Integrating all information in a defined limited space of the chart needs
self-descriptive symbols and legend with a high order of accuracy. Information derived time to
time from allied publications from various authorities is also used to update the chart.
THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN NAUTICAL CHART AND
TOPGRAPHIC MAP
NO NAUTICAL CHART TOPOLOGICAL MAP
1 Has special unique characteristics Emphasizes land forms, including the
including a very detailed and accurate representation of relief, with shoreline
representation of the coastline, which takes represented as an approximate delineation
into account varying tidal levels and water usually at mean sea level.
forms, critical to a navigator.
2 The top of the chart is always true north, The horizontal angle at a given point,
rather than magnitude north, toward which measured clockwise from magnetic north or
a magnetic compass point. true north to a second point.
3 The Mercator projection is almost Topological map normally use RSO
universally used in nautical chart. projection.
4 The user such as navy, hydrographer and The user such as developer, surveyor and
fisherman. tourist.
5 Every chart has barometer drawing. But, topological map don’t have the
barometer drawing.
6 Position of places shown on the chart can Position of places shown on the topological
be measured from the longitude and map can be measured from the longitude and
latitude scales on the borders of the chart, latitude scales on borders of the map, relative
relative to map datum such as WGS 84. to map datum such as Cassini.
7 A chart is a working document. It is used A map is a static document which serves as a
to plot courses for navigators to follow in reference guide. A map is not, and can not be
order to transit a certain area It takes into used to plot a course. Rather it provides a
account special conditions required for predetermined course, usually a road, path,
one's vessel, such as draft, bottom etc., to be followed. Special consideration for
clearance, wrecks and obstructions which the type of vehicle is rarely a consideration.
can be hazardous. Way points are Further, maps provide predetermined points-
identified to indicate relative position and road intersections-to allow one a choice to
points at which specific maneuver such as change to another predetermined direction.
changing courses, must be performed.
8 The chart uses symbols to provide pilot The map has many symbols, such as road,
age information, such as sea bed with water bodies, mosques, trees, urban areas and
information, shipwrecks, buoys, lights, others.
lighthouses and others.
9 Colored areas of the sea emphasize Seven colors can be found on a map, each
shallow water and dangerous underwater relating to different types of features. For
obstructions. example, black, red, orange, brown, blue,
green and grey.
10 It shows the nature and form of the coast, It identifies numerous cultural and natural
the depths of the water and general ground features, which divided into many
character and configuration of the sea categories. For example, culture, water, relief,
bottom. vegetation and contour.
CONCLUSION

In spite of all the hurdles in placing numerous data/symbols in the limited space of a
chart, the NHO is providing accuracy of certain objects within 3m-20m on the earth surface.
Integration of all hydrographic and topographic information from various sources is required
during the preparation of a nautical chart. Convergence of this information within specified
accuracy in the limited space of a chart needs expertise and experience in compilation
techniques. The NHD, a central authority of Indian nautical chart production and whose products
and services are ISO 9002 certified, is thus committed to respond to national and international
conventions relating to the safety at sea and offshore development works by furnishing accurate
and reliable hydrographic navigational products and services.

The hydrographic and topographic information are equally important for navigation. It
includes information of topography, inhabitation, public amenities, geodetic control points and
conspicuous objects viz. light house, beacon etc. Hydrographic information includes coastline,
berthing place, buoy, wreck, anchorage etc. The topographic details are extracted from SOI top
sheets on required scale, whereas hydrographic details, in general, are extracted from
hydrographic surveys by NHO and foreign agencies. Information is also taken from
hydrographic survey if that is latest to SOI top sheet.

FACULTY OF ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING AND SURVEYING

DEPARTMENT OF GEOMATIC SCIENCE AND SURVEYING

DEGREE IN GEOMATIC SCIENCE

AP220

HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEYING
 SUG 514

LAB REPORT 1

(DIFFRENTIAL BETWEEN NAUTICAL MAP AND TOPOLOGICAL MAP)

GROUP C

MOHD ARIF BIN ZAMRI 2008790241

MOHD SUFIAN BIN DAHLAN 2008561451

MOHD AMINUDDIN BIN ISMAIL 2008760943

MOHD HUZAIRI BIN MARIKAN 2008502221

PREPARED FOR: DR OTHMAN