Raster charts A raster-scanned electronic chart is like an electronic snapshot of a paper chart. On-screen it looks just like the same familiar paper charts you've used for years. You'll usually see the original colors from the paper chart. Raster charts are available in geographical groups and are distributed on CD-ROM. Vector Charts Vector charts are distillations of paper charts, but their presentation is more innovative (selective display, always sharp, always "heads up"). In the past vector charts were displayed on dedicated plotters, but today vector charts can be used with both computer software and plotters.