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What's all this Bizer's flap about “accuracy?” Should I care?

Bizer features the following quote on his 5th Edition Map of Lake Winnipesaukee:

“This is the only Winnipesaukee boating map that meets U.S.G.S (sic) standards.”

Furthermore, our competitor on it's website features the following quote:

“The ONLY boating map of Lake Winnipesaukee to meet U.S. Goverment map accuracy standards.”

A little more vague, but it means the same thing. Trouble is, USGS accuracy standards don't apply to a navigation chart (OR a "boating map"). USGS Map Accuracy Standards cover the locations of roads, buildings, land elevations, features that don't mean a thing to boat operators!

The National Oceanographic Service (NOS) and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) both have standards for charts intended to present water and bottom features. Which standard to use for a navigation chart depends on whether the chart treats ocean navigation (NOS) or inland waterways (USACE).

Yes, we believe that you should and do care about accuracy of the data that make up the maps and charts you buy. And you do care about the qualifications of those who publish those maps and charts. That's why Duncan Press makes a point of providing that information for each of our charts. We want you to buy and use the chart that you decide presents on the most authoritative and recent data, and that is compiled by the best trained and qualified cartographers. Duncan Press does.