This time it's the "Plot Course" button in the Nav System.
When you "plot" a course, you use various implements on a map to determine your route. Next, you "set" your course...that is to say that you set up the equipment and instruments on your craft to follow the route you plotted. It is only after you have done these things that you get "under weigh" or take off or
launch.

When you select your destination on the Nav System "grid" you are "plotting"
your course. Other possible names for the "plot course" button might include
"Go", "Activate" or perhaps even "Engage" (a tip o' the hat to Capt. Pickard).

Agreed, but better said in suggestions.

[moved]

"Plot Course" is the act of asking your navigational computer to plot the course to the destination you have selected. You aren't literally plotting a course yourself. To do so would imply that you were determining the entire trajectory and required mathematics yourself.

However, something like "engage" might be better suited.

Actually, I think "Dev Warp" would be a better label for that button. Seriously.

If you want to pick nits this thread will wind up in role-playing, so let's move it now.

1) there is a distinction between a map and a chart, a chart is used for navigation, hence the usage, "charting a course". Yes, that line drawn is also called a "plot". I'm not trying to flame you, but that does identify you as a lubber. Lubbers are good, else ships would have nowhere to go.

2) "set a course": No, the instruction by the captain to set a course would set in motion a series of actions ending in instructions to the helmsman. e.g. "Set course for the Maldives! Smarty!" (smartly means quickly)

enough. Ultimately, you're right and I would vote for "Engage"

Don't be too fussy about nautical terminology, much of it is often used quite loosely.
Well, loosely by us. We laugh at you "under weigh" folks ;-)
If I can help, please ask.

Ahoy Mariner !
Thank you for the good natured prodding (and the corrections).
In the last few, *ahem*, decades, I've had a hand in navigating on land, sea and in the air. You know what they say: "Jack of all trades and master of none." The terminology varies from one to the other, and I have mixed them up a bit.
In spite of my confusion, you got the gist of my post and I'm pleased that I was
not totally FUBAR.

Oh. To correct myself I think it is "Picard" and not "Pickard."