An aeronautical chart is an enhanced map that pilots use when flying. The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the US Military (2002, quoted by Answers.com, 20091) defines an aeronautical chart as "a specialized representation of mapped features of the earth, or some part of it, produced to show selected terrain, cultural and hydrographic features, and supplemental information required for air navigation and pilotage, or for planning air operations".
An aeronautical chart, thus, represents topographic features, hazards and obstructions, navigation aids, navigation routes, designated airspace and airports locations. Specific charts are used for each phase of a flight and may vary from a map of a particular airport to an overview of the instrument routes covering an entire continent (e.g., global navigation charts), and charts for IFR and VFR (National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, 20082. By using appropriate and updated navigational charts, pilots will be able to know their location as well as any procedures governing particular airspaces and airports.
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| (Image embedded from Wikipedia on 30 December 2009) |
Types of Aeronautical charts
1. Airport Charts
2. Standard Instrument Departure (SID)
3. Enroute Charts (High Altitude/Low Altitiude {upper altitude and lower altitude for EU & RVSM charts)
4. Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARS)
5. Instrument Approach Charts (precision/non precision)
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