Navigational Charts of the Kirke Channel: Comparison between the 1982 and 2019 Editions
In 2019, the Servicio Hidrográfico y Oceanográfico de la Armada de Chile (SHOA) published an updated edition of the Nautical Chart No. 10641, titled "Canal y Angostura Kirke." This chart, first published in 1982, now covers a larger area and incorporates several enhancements to provide a more accurate and reliable navigation experience.
The Kirke Canal, located in the province of Ultima Esperanza, Magellan and Chilean Antarctic Region, is a hydrographically complex area that spans about 5 nautical miles with a WSW-ENE orientation and an average width of 0.3 cables. The canal is a significant gateway, as the Kirke narrow at its ENE end allows access to the Valdés channel and, ultimately, Puerto Natales.
Puerto Natales, with a population of 21,477 (as of 2017 census), serves as a tourist attraction and a stop on the way to Torres del Paine National Park, which receives about 500,000 visitors annually. The updated chart now includes tidal and current forecasts, making navigation through the channel safer and more predictable for the increasing number of vessels visiting the region.
The new edition also benefits from geodesic measurements made during the 2017 field work using dual-frequency differential GPS equipment and an Erdas photogrammetric station for the aero triangulation process. This has resulted in 98% coverage of the seabed with multibeam echosounders, providing seabed classification information obtained from sediment samples and classified according to the Wentworth particle size scale.
To ensure the reliability of the new products, a navigation test was conducted aboard the OPV 83 "Marinero Fuentealba." Additionally, a horizontal acoustic doppler current meter (HADCP) was installed, which stores current registers internally and transmits real-time current direction and intensity to vessels.
The first edition of the Electronic Navigational Chart (ENC) was drawn up based on the data used in the 9th edition of the Nautical Chart. Furthermore, sailing experiences described in SHOA Publication 3003 "Sailing Directions of the Costa de Chile, Volume III" were corrected and made more objective with the acquired information during the surveys.
However, as of August 2025, there are no available search results or recent official updates specifically detailing changes or improvements made to the SHOA Nautical Chart No. 10641 "Canal y Angostura Kirke." It is likely that either no recent updates have been publicly announced or the information is not indexed in freely accessible resources. For the most accurate and current information on updates to SHOA Nautical Chart No. 10641, it is recommended to consult the official SHOA website or their published Notices to Mariners, which typically include chart corrections, improvements, and updates directly from the Chilean Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service.
- The field of environmental-science, particularly hydrographic surveys, played a significant role in the enhancement of the SHOA Nautical Chart No. 10641.
- The updated chart now caters to the growing demand for accurate and reliable navigation data in the realm of science and technology.
- In the realm of business and finance, investing in advanced hydrographic survey equipment can contribute to improved safety and efficiency in shipping and maritime industries.
- The science of space-and-astronomy and general-news outlets may find interest in the impact of updated maps like the Kirke Canal chart on exploration and navigation in remote locations.
- Besides lifestyle blogs discussing travel and tourism, the updated Kirke Canal chart may attract attention from mainstream media covering the changes in the region's accessibility.
- Education-and-self-development platforms could delve into the role of hydrographic surveys in environmental conservation, providing valuable insights for students and professionals.
- Casinos and gambling establishments, while unrelated to hydrographic surveys, might include stories about the Kirke Canal and other unique navigational challenges as peripheral entertainment.
