Electronic
Chart Background Guide--
Charts for Computers and Computer Navigation Systems
ChartKit raster charts on CD-ROM are manufactured in partnership between NOAA, the agency responsible for cartography covering U. S. waters and manufacturer of official government paper charts, and Maptech, a privately-held company. This partnership exclusively supplies Maptech with raster chart images scanned from the mylar masters that are used to produce lithographed paper charts.
ChartKit charts are produced in the .bsb graphics format. Version 3.0 and earlier .bsb charts are compatible with most marine navigation software programs. However, the current version, BSB 4.0, is only compatible with the following:
Other marine navigation packages may support ChartKit and .bsb format charts; check your user's manual for compatibility or e-mail us for additional information.
All raster scans are at a resolution of 254 dpi and are made from NOAA's mylar-film lithography masters. Colors are consistent with NOAA paper charts. Harbor, ocean, and planning charts are bundled on CD-ROM's in regional groups covering U. S. coastal waters, the Great Lakes, and U. S. possessions. Individual charts are available on floppy disk at $19.95 each.
Selected ChartKits also contain Maptech Photo Charts, coastal topo maps, and other navigation information.
Sample ChartKit
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