A chart, in the context of navigation, is a comprehensive graphical representation that illustrates specific geographical area, usually scaled, and includes delineated details of physical contours, depths of bodies of water, landmarks, and other pertinent elements. Utilized primarily by navigators, these charts function as essential tools in maritime or aerial navigation to accurately determine geographical locations, map out routes, identify potential obstacles, and safely guide travel.

1. Nautical Chart: This specially designed map is used for navigation in the sea or coastal waters. It contains information about the ocean depths, shoreline details, tide predictions, and the locations of lighthouses, buoys, and ports. 2. Aviation Chart: This chart is used by pilots to understand the airspace for a specific region. It contains important information such as air routes, radio frequencies, and airport data, along with physical features like mountains, rivers, or cities for visual navigation. 3. Road Atlas: This chart is primarily used by land navigators, especially long-distance truckers and travelers. It outlines highways, interstates, major roads, and often includes detailed maps of large cities. 4. Topographic chart: Ideal for hikers and adventure enthusiasts, this detailed map provides elevations and layout of the land, helping people navigate mountains, valleys, and trails. 5. Space or Astronomical Chart: These are maps of night sky regions, used by astronomers and space explorers. They depict constellations, stars, galaxies, planets, and other celestial bodies to help navigators plot courses in space.

Did you know that the earliest known navigational charts date back around 13,000 years? These were found in the Cueva de los mapas, a cave in Spain. They were made of stone and usually depicted the stars and coastlines, which were used as essential guides in seafaring for explorers, navigators, and fishermen. These maps were not only used for navigation but also for trade routes, marking notable landmarks, and dividing political territories for ruling empires. Various civilizations across history, such as the Egyptians, Greeks, Chinese, and Persians, have used such charts to explore and understand the world around them. And today, modern technology like GPS and satellites have made navigation charts even more precise and vital for global navigation and exploration.