What is the standard projection used for navigation charts?

The standard projection used for navigation charts is the Mercator projection. This projection is particularly valuable in maritime navigation as it presents all lines of constant course, known as rhumb lines, as straight lines. This characteristic simplifies the task of plotting a course on nautical charts, making it easier for mariners to navigate long distances with a consistent compass heading.

The Mercator projection also maintains angles, which is beneficial for navigational purposes, enabling sailors to plot their journeys while adhering to a specific course without significant distortion over practical distances. While other projection methods may serve specific purposes, the Mercator’s advantages for marine navigation establish it as the established standard in the industry.

This clarity in representation of angles and courses is essential for effective navigation, thereby making the Mercator projection the most appropriate choice for navigation charts over alternatives that may distort distances or shapes in a way that complicates navigational tasks.