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vector charts An electronic chart that is created in real time by the software displaying it using data from the computer file of the chart. Shorelines, depth contours, and other curves on a vector chart are made up of point-to-point line segments. At normal display, curved lines appear smooth, but when zoomed in for higher magnification, the line structure becomes apparent. Overlays of various data such as depths, lights, buoys, color schemes, navigation notes, and so on can be displayed permanently or hidden, and special information on aids can be shown on demand with a mouse click. Vector charts have the advantage of small file size, fast, versatile, interactive displays, and they are easily updated with Internet downloads. Some vector charts can be viewed on any PC with the appropriate software; other versions are proprietary to specific hardware. See also raster charts.

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