Mapping Moments: The American Practical Navigator (Episode 2)
Channel: National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
Date: 2017-10-06

Over 200 years ago, traveling by sea was fraught with peril, not due to unknown sea monsters, but something far more deadly -- incomplete and inaccurate charts. And, the biggest turning point in safety of maritime navigation wasn't a new technical advancement it was ... a book. 

The American Practical Navigator, commonly known as Bowditch for its author, Nathaniel Bowditch, was originally published in 1802. In 1867, the Bowditch copyright was purchased by the U.S. Navy Hydrographic Office, an NGA legacy organization. Ever since, NGA predecessor agencies have updated it in support to our mission to ensure safety of navigation.

Learn more about Bowditch and the history behind it with our latest Mapping Moment!