Nautical Charts – Norway

Official nautical charts and small craft charts for Norwegian waters. Select a series based on application and format.

How to Choose the Right Nautical Chart?

Chart Size and Format

The size of the nautical chart matters for use on board. Smaller boating charts in practical format are well suited for the cockpit and smaller boats, while official nautical charts from chart authorities provide greater overview and cover larger geographical areas per chart sheet.

Paper or Waterproof Material

Nautical charts are available both on traditional chart paper and on waterproof and tear-resistant material such as Tyvek. Paper charts are more affordable, while waterproof charts withstand moisture, folding, and heavy use. Remember that nautical charts are perishable – updated charts are more important than material choice.

Scale

For coastal navigation, a scale of approximately 1:50,000 or larger is recommended. Smaller scales are used for planning and overview of longer passages. Many chart series combine different scales in the same package.

Updates and Corrections

Nautical charts are regularly updated through Notices to Mariners (NtM). Our Print-on-Demand charts are produced with current corrections as of the production date. Updated nautical charts are an important part of good seamanship.

Frequently Asked Questions About Nautical Charts

What is the difference between official nautical charts and recreational nautical charts?

Official nautical charts are published by national hydrographic offices such as Kartverket, Sjöfartsverket, and Geodatastyrelsen. These are used by both commercial shipping and recreational vessels and contain detailed information on fairways, depths, navigational aids, and sea marks. Recreational nautical charts are adapted for recreational use and are often delivered in practical chart packs with multiple scales collected in a single series. They are based on official data but presented in a more user-friendly format.

What does Print-on-Demand (POD) mean for nautical charts?

Print-on-Demand means that the nautical chart is printed upon order and contains current corrections at the time of production. This provides access to updated chart data without the charts sitting in stock for long periods.u003cbru003eKart.no offers Print-on-Demand for Norwegian nautical charts from Kartverket, as well as Danish, Faroese, and Greenlandic nautical charts.

How often are nautical charts updated?

Corrections to nautical charts are published regularly through Notices to Mariners (NtM). Changes may include new marks, light sectors, depth indications, bridges, or air clearances. Updated nautical charts are an important part of good seamanship, both for recreational sailors and professional users.

Which scale should I choose?

For navigation in coastal waters, a scale of approximately 1:50,000 or larger is recommended, providing high detail. Smaller scales are used for planning longer passages and offshore sailing. Many chart series combine different scales in the same package.

Do you supply British Admiralty charts?

Yes, we supply the British Admiralty series (3500+ charts) in collaboration with StormGeo. If the chart is not in stock in Norway, it is shipped directly from the United Kingdom.

Should I choose 125 g or 180 g paper?

The choice of paper thickness depends on usage. 180 g paper is more robust and well-suited for active use on board, especially if you are making corrections or plotting navigational notes on the chart. 125 g paper is 100% recycled and lighter and takes up less space when storing multiple charts. Many who use paper nautical charts as a backup choose this option.

Paper or waterproof material – what should I choose?

Nautical charts are supplied on traditional chart paper or on waterproof and tear-resistant material such as Tyvek. Paper charts are more affordable, while waterproof charts withstand moisture and heavy use better. The choice depends on usage patterns and sailing conditions.

Are paper charts still relevant when many use electronic chart plotters?

Yes. Paper nautical charts provide a comprehensive overview of larger geographical areas and function as an independent backup in case of technical failure. Many professional and experienced recreational sailors still use paper charts as a supplement to electronic solutions.

Do you supply nautical charts that can be hung on the wall?

Yes. Kartverket’s nautical charts can be ordered mounted on a board or ready-framed. You can also use our chart designer to select your own section of a nautical chart, as well as the size and material. If you wish to have British Admiralty charts or Imray charts delivered as wall maps, these can be ordered upon request.