How are maps different from nautical charts and property plats?

While the terms map, chart, and plat are sometimes used interchangeably, they serve distinct purposes and are defined by their specific applications in cartography.1

• Maps are graphic representations of geographical, geological, or geopolitical features, typically used for general reference. They provide a broad inventory of terrain, including natural and man-made features, and serve as the foundation for more specialized data.1
• Nautical charts are specialized maps designed specifically for navigation. They prioritize information essential for marine safety, such as water depths (soundings), lighthouses, channel markers, reefs, and other hazards. Unlike general maps, they are often printed on durable, high-wet-strength paper to withstand the marine environment and allow for repeated pencil markings and erasures.123
• Plats are focused on land-line references and property ownership. They function as a plan or map of a specific piece of land, detailing boundaries, lots, and actual or proposed developments. While a map provides a general overview of an area, a plat is a precise legal or administrative tool used to define individual parcels of land.14