Two questions regarding depth
 

first, is there a way to see numerical values on the map showing approximate depths in certain areas? I keep accidentally wandering into the shallow (<80m) waters near the channel. Or is there a chart showing exactly which colors mean what on the map?

Second, in WoS if I'm being hunted, can I be detected by pinging for depth under keel?

No..That wouldn't be very realistic at all IMO and , somebody correct me if I'm wrong, I don't thikn that sea bottom was mapped that well back in 40's. It's not even today...:hmmm:



I don't think this is simulated in any of SH games , but don't hold me on that...

If you talk about realism, then the icon showing your boat near bottom of the sea is not realist at all, better have nothing at all...
I usually go slowly deeper and deeper to reach almost the ground in order to hide ....

Agreed about the icon, but even if I remove it, there will be still unrealistic TC drop when nearing the bottom. It's how the game works...

Didn't think about it, I usually don't TC when I am under the sea. Good point.
Anyway if you want to be realistic, use your little sonar to ping under the keel, you will get an estimate but you will tell everyone out there you're around :-)

I would prefer the icon to be removed actually. On top of that you have the different blue colors on your map that tells you if the sea is deep or not. That's not a big help cause there is maybe 3 different blue only, light blue are usually deeper than dark blue if I remember.

Right, I do ping. My questions were related in that, if escorts are able to hear me pinging it would be helpful to have a very general idea of what the average depth is in the area. If the escorts can't hear me pinging, then it's a moot point :salute:

These are from 1943. They definitely had an area like the English Channel mapped: https://www.loc.gov/resource/g370932...03/?st=gallery

Depths have been an integral part of coastal navigation for centuries. Sailors used a "lead line" as far back as the ancient Greeks and Romans. In addition to depths, the type of sediment on the sea floor was also catalogued. There was a cavity in the bottom of the weight, usually filled with tallow (rendered animal fat), which would pick up sediment upon hitting the bottom.

When in well-traveled coastal waters a sailor's lead line showed (for example) ten fathoms and sand, he would have a fairly good idea of where he was in relation to the coast. Admittedly, knowing the type of sediment below is not very useful in a submarine ... but moderately accurate depths would undoubtedly have been available for the entire period of their use.

There are period correct depth charts available for just that but you need to scour several online archives.

Search for historic maps in the forum. I use a 1939 Kriegsmarine Channel chart for instance with depth numbers and it works quite well.