Difference Between Maps and Charts (With Table)

They can offer a preset course. Maps can’t tell you about the path’s current state. They can only provide information about the surface path, though. Maps depict information in the form of spherical and celestial representations. Maps are unable to provide all of the necessary details for navigation. When it comes to geographical designations that depict land shapes related to sea level, the usage of maps is very clear.

A chart is a form of map that depicts a portion of the earth’s flat surface. They’re frequently used as a map replacement. Charts are documents that function in a specific way. They also supply data for navigational charts and plot the entire journey. Charts contain all of the necessary precise and detailed information for navigation. Hydrographic charts, often known as historical charts, provide information in the form of tables.

Comparison Table Between Maps and Charts

What are Maps?

Maps are typically thought of as static documents. They are capable of giving a predefined route. Maps are unable to provide information about the path’s current status. However, they can only provide information on the course of the surface.

Maps depict information in the form of spherical and celestial representations, which can take numerous forms, such as travel maps, survey maps, and maps of a country, state, city, or town. A map is a graphical representation of a geographic location, a series of events, activities, nations, or states on a piece of paper or sheet.

Maps are unable to convey all of the specific information essential for navigation. When considering the geographical designations that depict the land shapes connected with the sea level, the use of maps is very clear. The Coast Survey charts of the United States are an example of a map.

What are Charts?

Charts are a form of map that depicts a portion of the earth’s flat surface. They are frequently used in place of maps. Charts are regarded as texts that function in a specific way. They also supply information for navigation charts as well as plotting the full voyage.

Charts contain all of the necessary thorough and accurate information for navigational purposes. Water forms and tide levels are examples of conditions that can be represented using charts. The usage of charts is obvious when portraying oceanic identification because they can provide additional information.

In the case of charts, the data is presented in the form of tables (otherwise called tabular form). The information on hydrographic charts, also known as historical charts, is presented in the form of tablets, which are commonly used by mariners.

Main Differences Between Maps and Charts

1. The graphical representation of any geographical area, series of events, acts, nations, states on a piece of paper or sheet is called a Map. On the other hand, Charts are the subtype of maps representing a part of the flat surface of the earth. They are usually used as substitutes for maps.
2. The information that is being portrayed by maps, are in the form of spherical and celestial representation which can be of many types, including journey maps, survey maps, maps of a country, state, city or town. On the other hand, in the case of charts, the information which is provided is portrayed in the form of tables, (otherwise called tabular form). In the case of hydrographic charts or also called historical charts, the information is also portrayed in the form of tables, which are made use of by seamen generally.
3. The use of maps is highly evident while considering the geographical designations which portray the landforms associated with the sea level. On the other hand, the use of charts is highly evident while representing the oceanic designation as they are capable of providing extra information.
4. Maps can not provide all the detailed information which are required for navigation purposes. On the other hand, Charts possess all the required detailed and accurate information which can be used for navigation purposes.
5. Maps are not capable of providing information regarding the conditions of the path. However, they are only capable of providing the data regarding the surface path. On the other hand, Charts are capable of providing information related to conditions like water forms and tidal levels.
6. Maps are usually considered as documents that are static in characteristics. They are capable of providing a course that is predetermined. On the other hand, Charts are considered aa the documents which are working in characteristic. They also provide information that is helpful for navigation charts and also plots the entire journey.
7. Some examples of Maps are the Coast Survey charts of the United States. On the other hand, some examples of Charts are the representation of tidal level, water bodies, etc.

Conclusion

Geographers and geologists, the people who specially deal with the earth and its surface are some of the technicians who make use of maps and charts in the collection of data, primary or secondary. Cartographers are the skilled personnel who possess mastery in the making of several types and varieties of maps.

There are different types of maps. Some are used to locate geographical areas whereas some are used to locate political and social areas. Some maps are designed with scales however some are designed without scales.

References

1. http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.476.9675&rep=rep1&type=pdf
2. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/history-in-africa/article/historical-evidence-in-old-maps-and-charts-of-africa-with-special-reference-to-west-africa/546007FE2B5DCAF01105846EF4A73C85