A cartographic representation illustrating the geographical features of the Tar Heel State’s littoral zone. This includes barrier islands, sounds, inlets, and the general shape of the land where North Carolina meets the Atlantic Ocean. Such visualizations vary in scale, purpose, and included detail, ranging from simple navigational aids to complex scientific datasets.
These depictions hold significant value for various stakeholders. They are essential for navigation, coastal management, environmental conservation, and tourism. Historically, accurate charting has been crucial for safe maritime commerce and defense. Contemporary use extends to monitoring coastal erosion, planning infrastructure development, and assessing the impact of sea-level rise.