What Are NOAA Charts?
NOAA charts are official maritime maps historically produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to document the waterways of the United States. These charts were widely used by mariners for decades to understand coastal waters, harbors, bays, and offshore features. Each chart provides detailed hydrographic information including depth soundings, navigational aids, channels, and shoreline topography. While NOAA has retired its printed chart program and these charts are no longer updated for navigation, they remain valuable for reference, education, and as decorative pieces for maritime enthusiasts.
NOAA charts are official maritime maps historically produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to document the waterways of the United States. These charts were widely used by mariners for decades to understand coastal waters, harbors, bays, and offshore features. Each chart provides detailed hydrographic information including depth soundings, navigational aids, channels, and shoreline topography. While NOAA has retired its printed chart program and these charts are no longer updated for navigation, they remain valuable for reference, education, and as decorative pieces for maritime enthusiasts.
What Are the Different Types of NOAA Charts?
Our NOAA chart collection covers every major U.S. region. You can browse categories such as Alaska, Great Lakes, Northeastern U.S., Pacific Coast, Gulf Coast, Mid-Atlantic, Pacific Islands, and Wide Coverage. Each chart highlights specific coastal areas and provides comprehensive details about waterways, harbors, and coastal landmarks, making them ideal for collectors and decorative displays.
Our NOAA chart collection covers every major U.S. region. You can browse categories such as Alaska, Great Lakes, Northeastern U.S., Pacific Coast, Gulf Coast, Mid-Atlantic, Pacific Islands, and Wide Coverage. Each chart highlights specific coastal areas and provides comprehensive details about waterways, harbors, and coastal landmarks, making them ideal for collectors and decorative displays.
Are NOAA Charts Updated?
No. NOAA has ended its traditional printed chart program, and these charts are no longer updated. They are preserved for their historical and cartographic value. For those who want the look of a traditional paper chart with current information, we offer custom NOAA charts created from the latest available digital data. Design your own custom NOAA chart here.
No. NOAA has ended its traditional printed chart program, and these charts are no longer updated. They are preserved for their historical and cartographic value. For those who want the look of a traditional paper chart with current information, we offer custom NOAA charts created from the latest available digital data. Design your own custom NOAA chart here.
What Areas Do NOAA Charts Cover?
NOAA charts cover the entire U.S. coastline including Alaska, the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Gulf of Mexico, Great Lakes, and inland waterways. Charts also include detailed views of bays, harbors, approaches, and offshore features. With thousands of charts available, you can find detailed representations of nearly every U.S. port and coastal region.
NOAA charts cover the entire U.S. coastline including Alaska, the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Gulf of Mexico, Great Lakes, and inland waterways. Charts also include detailed views of bays, harbors, approaches, and offshore features. With thousands of charts available, you can find detailed representations of nearly every U.S. port and coastal region.
Can I Order a Custom NOAA Chart?
Yes. We create custom NOAA charts using the latest digital data, allowing you to select any location within U.S. waters. You can specify the scale, crop, and layout to highlight your home port, favorite fishing area, or special maritime location. Custom NOAA charts can be printed on paper or waterproof synthetic material and can be mounted or framed for display. Create your custom NOAA chart here.
Yes. We create custom NOAA charts using the latest digital data, allowing you to select any location within U.S. waters. You can specify the scale, crop, and layout to highlight your home port, favorite fishing area, or special maritime location. Custom NOAA charts can be printed on paper or waterproof synthetic material and can be mounted or framed for display. Create your custom NOAA chart here.
What Finishing Options Are Available?
NOAA charts can be printed on standard bond paper or waterproof synthetic paper. For decorative use, we offer mounting on foam board and professional framing that transforms the chart into a ready-to-hang piece. Mounted charts are great for pin tracking, while framed charts provide a polished, long-lasting display. View finishing options here.
NOAA charts can be printed on standard bond paper or waterproof synthetic paper. For decorative use, we offer mounting on foam board and professional framing that transforms the chart into a ready-to-hang piece. Mounted charts are great for pin tracking, while framed charts provide a polished, long-lasting display. View finishing options here.
Can I Find a Specific NOAA Chart by Number?
Yes. Simply enter the chart number in the search bar at the top-right of our website to quickly locate your desired chart. You can also browse through regional NOAA chart categories to visually find the area you need.
Yes. Simply enter the chart number in the search bar at the top-right of our website to quickly locate your desired chart. You can also browse through regional NOAA chart categories to visually find the area you need.
What Makes NOAA Charts Ideal for Decorative Use?
NOAA charts have a distinctive technical style that makes them perfect for wall décor. Their large size, detailed hydrography, and maritime markings create a striking focal point in any room. Whether displayed in a coastal home, office, or yacht club, a framed NOAA chart adds character and authenticity. Choosing a chart of a meaningful location makes it a personal and unique decorative piece.
NOAA charts have a distinctive technical style that makes them perfect for wall décor. Their large size, detailed hydrography, and maritime markings create a striking focal point in any room. Whether displayed in a coastal home, office, or yacht club, a framed NOAA chart adds character and authenticity. Choosing a chart of a meaningful location makes it a personal and unique decorative piece.
Why Buy NOAA Charts from The Map Shop?
With over 30 years of experience, The Map Shop is a trusted provider of printed NOAA charts for reference and decoration. We print every chart in-house at our Charlotte, NC facility using high-quality materials and expert finishing methods. Our catalog includes thousands of NOAA charts available for printing, mounting, and framing, ensuring fast turnaround and professional results. Read customer reviews here or learn more about our history here.
With over 30 years of experience, The Map Shop is a trusted provider of printed NOAA charts for reference and decoration. We print every chart in-house at our Charlotte, NC facility using high-quality materials and expert finishing methods. Our catalog includes thousands of NOAA charts available for printing, mounting, and framing, ensuring fast turnaround and professional results. Read customer reviews here or learn more about our history here.