Navigation is the process of reading, and controlling the movement of a craft or vehicle from one place to another. It is also the term of art used for the specialized knowledge used by navigators to perform navigation tasks. The word navigate is derived from the Latin "navigare", meaning "to sail". All navigational techniques involve locating the navigator's position compared to known locations or patterns.

Effective April 13, 2014, NOAA will longer offer traditional lithographic paper charts.  NOAA will continue to provide other forms of nautical charts, including print-on-demand charts and versions for electronic charting systems.

Since 1862, lithographic nautical charts — available in marine shops and other stores — have been printed by the U.S. government and sold to the public by commercial vendors. The decision to stop production is based on several factors, including a declining demand for lithographic charts, the increasing use of digital and electronic charts and federal budget realities.