What is the difference between Maps and Charts?

Maps and Charts are two different things entirely; people do not pay attention to these words, and they often use them interchangeably.Charts are types of maps that provide information on either a tabular form or a hydrographic chart. Charts are mainly used for oceanic designation. A chart can also be considered as a working document that provides information like vessel bottom clearance, draft, and also maneuvers.

Maps are the graphical representation of a succession of acts, events, states as in historical maps. Maps do not help in plotting a course; they help to show a predetermined course like a road. Maps are mainly used for geographical designation and do not provide information that is not visible by naked eyes.

There is a big difference between maps and charts. Although both are usually considered to be the same, there are some differences between the two, especially when you consider what the two are used for and the nature of the information which the two are meant to give.

Although charts can be regarded as a form map, however, they are used to give certain information about a body of water and everything that surrounds it, including the land around it. Charts are used by seamen to get certain information like the tidal level of an ocean when traveling over water. On the other hand, maps are visual or graphical representations of different geographical areas. A perfect example of this is the regular map, which shows each part of the Earth's surface and the whole universe at large. You can easily use charts to plot a course, whereas maps contain courses that have plotted already.