NOAA's National Ocean Service produces nautical charts that contain information about the nature and form of the coast, the depths of the water and general character and configuration of the sea bottom, locations of dangers to navigation, the rise and fall of the tides, locations of navigation aids, and characteristics of the earth's magnetism. To learn more about nautical charts, follow the Office of Coast Survey link below.
The Historical Map and Chart Collection of the Office of Coast Survey contains over 20,000 maps and charts from the late 1700s to present day. The collection includes some of the nation's earliest nautical charts, hydrographic surveys, topographic surveys, geodetic surveys, city plans, and Civil War battle maps. The digital images of these charts and maps are available for free via the Image Catalog found through the website linked below.
These charts are produced by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (formerly National Imagery and Mapping Agency (NIMA), formerly DMA) and were formerly distributed by NOAA.
Jet Navigation Charts (JNC Charts)
The primary purpose of the Jet Navigation Chart is to support high-altitude computer assisted radar navigation/bombing by strategic aircraft. Information considerations are selected to support celestial, radar, and dead reckoning navigation.
The library retains select editions of JNC charts (1998-2002).
