What types of maps are used in Aviation?

Pilots use many different types of maps (called charts in pilot-speak); I will try to go over as many as I can.

The first type of chart is the sectional chart. This shows airports, navaids, airways, etc. as well as detailed terrain. These are used mainly by pilots who are flying visually. Similar charts are World Aeronautical Charts(shows a larger area), and Terminal Area Charts(smaller area).

The other main type of chart a pilot will use is and IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) Enroute chart. This shows airports, navaids, airways, etc, but does not include any terrain. These are used by pilots flying by instruments. IFR charts are divided into High(>18000') and Low(<18000') altitude.

If you would like to view any charts to see what they look like, go to www.skyvector.com. On the top right side of the screen, you can select which chart you want to view. If a chart just has a city name like New York, it is a sectional chart. Other charts are labeled like one of the following examples: Enroute L-33, enroute H-12, cf-19 WAC, Boston TAC, etc.