Nautical chart DHO - 1116 - Groenland Vestkyst. Julianehåb - Mågelob

This Danish Hydrographic Office paper navigation polar chart (flat chart) covers Labrador Sea, the area Groenland Vestkyst. Julianehåb - Mågelob.

Nautical charts produced by the Danish Hydrographic Office, part of the Danish Geodata Agency, primarily cover the waters of Greenland—a vast, remote, and highly demanding maritime environment.

Sailing in Greenland is unlike conventional navigation. It involves operating in polar regions where isolation, extreme weather, drifting ice, limited infrastructure, and sparse support require thorough preparation and a high level of autonomy.

These charts are intended mainly for experienced sailors, offshore skippers, expedition crews, and professionals operating in Arctic waters. In such conditions, choosing the right nautical chart is not just important—it is critical for safety.

What is this nautical chart used for?

Danish Hydrographic Office charts for Greenland are designed for specific, real-world uses in extreme environments.

Coastal navigation in polar regions

Greenland’s coastline is made up of deep fjords, rugged shores, and partially surveyed areas. These charts provide essential structure for navigating where visual references are limited.

Approaches to remote anchorages

Safe anchoring areas are rare and must be identified precisely. Charts provide key information to secure anchorage in often unpredictable conditions.

Expedition and offshore navigation

For Arctic crossings, expeditions, or scientific missions, these charts form a critical foundation for route planning and risk management.

Anticipating specific hazards

Ice presence, abrupt seabed variations, shoals, and isolated dangers are key risks. Charts help identify and anticipate these hazards in an environment where margins for error are minimal.

Compared to digital-only solutions—often limited in polar regions—paper charts provide a reliable, independent, and comprehensive overview.

Who is this chart recommended for?

Experienced sailors

These charts are primarily intended for skippers with solid offshore experience and familiarity with demanding environments.

Expedition navigators

Polar explorers, scientific missions, and technical expeditions rely on these charts for planning and execution.

Professionals operating in Arctic waters

Fishing, logistics, and research operations require accurate and dependable hydrographic data.

Day and night navigation

Although Arctic navigation depends heavily on conditions, the information provided allows use in various visibility scenarios.

Complement to electronic systems

In remote regions, electronic systems may be limited by coverage or conditions. Paper charts become a primary navigation tool rather than a backup.

These charts are not designed for casual use—they support committed and technically demanding navigation projects.

Reading and understanding the chart

Scale and level of detail

Greenland charts are available at scales suitable for:

• general coastal navigation,
• selected detailed areas (fjords, approaches).

However, some regions remain less detailed than heavily trafficked parts of the world.

Key information displayed

• Bathymetry: often deep but irregular seabeds.
• Underwater relief: sudden variations.
• Isolated dangers: rocks, shoals.
• Complex coastlines.
• Potential shelter areas.

Specific considerations

• some areas are only partially surveyed,
• environmental conditions can change rapidly (ice, sediment),
• aids to navigation are scarce.

Charts must be interpreted cautiously and always complemented by real-time observation and experience.

Reliability, updates, and safety

Official and reliable source

Charts are produced by the Danish Hydrographic Office, ensuring a solid data foundation within the limits of Arctic surveying conditions.

Updates and limitations

Corrections are issued through Notices to Mariners, although updates may be less frequent than in high-traffic regions.

Importance of edition date

Using the most recent edition is essential, even though some data limitations are inherent to polar regions.

GPS compatibility

Charts are aligned with international standards such as WGS 84, ensuring accurate GPS position plotting.

Best safety practices

• maintain wider safety margins,
• cross-check multiple sources (charts, satellite imagery, field reports),
• anticipate unsurveyed areas,
• never rely on a single navigation tool.

Navigation in Greenland requires a cautious, methodical, and highly prepared approach.

Paper charts vs digital charts: when and why choose paper?

Advantages of paper charts in polar regions

• full independence from power sources,
• reliable in extreme conditions,
• comprehensive overview of poorly documented areas,
• better route anticipation.

Limitations of digital tools

• incomplete coverage,
• dependency on hardware and power,
• sensitivity to harsh environmental conditions.

Essential complementarity

Digital tools enhance precision and convenience, but paper charts remain the foundation of navigation in remote areas.

In Arctic environments, paper charts are not optional—they are central.

Why choose Danish Hydrographic Office charts at Nautic Way?

A key reference for Greenland

The Danish Hydrographic Office is the primary authority for Greenland nautical charts. Its publications are recognized for:

• reliability,
• compliance with international standards,
• adaptation to complex environments.

The Nautic Way selection

Nautic Way offers a curated, expert-driven approach:

• charts selected for real expedition needs,
• relevant and up-to-date editions,
• personalized guidance based on your itinerary.

The focus is not on volume, but on providing the most useful charts for safe navigation.

Expert FAQ

Which nautical chart should I choose for Greenland navigation?

A combination of charts at different scales is recommended, depending on your exact route and objectives.

Is this chart sufficient on its own?

No. Polar navigation requires multiple sources: charts, guides, satellite imagery, and field experience.

How often should I replace a nautical chart?

Whenever a new edition is released. In remote areas, always check for the latest available updates.

Can this chart be used with a GPS?

Yes. These charts are compatible with modern GPS systems using the WGS 84 reference.

What is the difference compared to SHOM charts?

Each hydrographic office covers a specific region. The Danish Hydrographic Office is the reference for Greenland waters.

Why are paper charts essential in Greenland?

They provide full autonomy, reliability, and a critical overview in environments where electronic systems may fail.

Conclusion

Danish Hydrographic Office nautical charts for Greenland are essential tools for navigating one of the most remote and demanding maritime regions on Earth. They provide a reliable foundation for planning, anticipating risks, and executing safe navigation in extreme conditions.

Choosing the right chart—up-to-date and properly used—means navigating with greater awareness, control, and resilience. Nautic Way supports this approach with a carefully curated selection tailored to the needs of committed and experienced sailors.

Danish Hydrographic Office nautical charts are updated daily and printed only on demand. On the day of printing, they incorporate the latest updates. The chart's publication year is indicated on it.

We strive to offer only the latest versions of nautical charts incorporating the most recent updates.

All nautical charts, whether paper or digital, are printed on demand and include the latest updates. In accordance with Article L221-28 of the French Consumer Code, the right of withdrawal cannot be exercised for goods liable to become obsolete rapidly. Paper charts and digital charts are neither returnable nor exchangeable. Consequently, these orders are final upon placement by the Customer, according to the terms and conditions specified in these General Terms and Conditions of Sale.