Creating a graphic Notice to Mariners (chartlet) (Maritime Charting)
A chartlet should be considered when the corrections to the chart are
- Too complicated to explain in standard word format (such as channel realignment, a critical shoreline/breakwater/jetty change, or regulated area change)
- Too numerous for the mariner to manually correct on the chart
Limits of the chartlet
- A North–South orientation is strongly preferred but not required on chartlets.
- A chartlet must include at least one latitude and longitude projection line to enable the mariner to place the chartlet accurately.
- Adjust the limits of the chartlet as much as possible to include the most complete depiction of the soundings, words, notes, and symbols within the given chartlet area. Remember that the mariner is going to paste this exact size correction to his chart. Try to make it a logical patch.
- The maximum size for a single page chartlet is 7 x 8 inches. This size allows the chartlet to print properly on standard printers and within the confines of our Web site.
- Occasionally, a multiple-page chartlet is needed to accurately depict all corrections. On this rare occasion, a ½-inch overlap is required between pages for proper alignment.
Production database prerequisites
The production database must have had the updated critical information applied. Once the critical changes have been applied, cartographic editing may be required. These edits may include, but are not limited to, creating annotation, representation editing, and updating cartographic limits.
If working with an enterprise database, ensure that the critical information has been applied to the correct version of the database and that any conflicts that may have occurred have been resolved.
Setting data frame limits of the visible extent
Follow the steps below if you are using a visible extent to create the grid for the chartlet.
- Start ArcMap.
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If necessary, open the Product Library window by clicking Customize > Production > Product Library on the main menu.
A tree view of the product library appears.
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Load a local copy of the most current product map document.
The map document should open in page layout and have the correct scale of the chart set.
- Access the Data Frame Properties dialog box for the panel that displays the chartlet area you want from the main menu by clicking View > Data Frame Properties.
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On the Size and Position tab, enter the size (Width and Height) for the chartlet.
It should be less than 7 x 8 inches.
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Click OK.
The data frame is resized.
- Click the Pan tool on the Tools toolbar and pan to the chartlet's location.
- Ensure that the data frame is selected.
- Click Edit > Copy.
- Open a new map document, and do not save changes to the product map document.
- In the new map document, click Edit > Paste.
- In the Table Of Contents window, remove the data frame from the map document that does not have any layers.
- Click File > Save As.
- Name the file according to the chartlet's information, such as date.
For example, GNtM_01_08.mxd.
- Click Save.
- Continue to the next section, Exporting.
Exporting
Refer to Exporting your map for more details.
- Ensure that you are in Page Layout view.
- Click File > Export Map.
- Specify the format and specific settings.
- Ensure that the Clip Output to Graphics Extent check box is checked.
- Click Save.