I found the new paperback by Calder surprisingly good. I picked it up
thinking it was for beginners and would spent the first half
explaining which way is North, but its a clear, concise, modern
treatment of the topic. And it includes Chart #1.

How to Read a Nautical Chart : A Complete Guide to the Symbols,
Abbreviations, and Data Displayed on Nautical Charts
by Nigel Calder



Peter Bennett wrote:
On Mon, 07 Mar 2005 00:23:03 GMT, "Roger Long"
wrote:


Would someone please refresh my memory about the sounding contour
lines on charts?

They are fathom lines, the first 6 feet MLW, the next 12, etc. Is
that right?



Depends on the chart. The chart title block should show the units for
soundings (most Canadian chart now give depths in metres). You should
be able to determine the contour intervals by looking at the
surrounding soundings. Canadian charts often have numbers indicating
the contour depth inserted in the contour line.

There is an excellent publication called "Chart 1: Symbols and
Abbreviations" that should be available from any chart dealer. It
will tell you more than you ever wanted to know about the symbols and
abbreviations used on nautical charts. (note that both Canadian and
US authorities produce a "Chart 1", but the content is different!!)