Scharbau was born at Lübeck in North Germany in 1822, but came to England in his youth.
In 1873, he asked Colin Alexander McVean, Surveyor in Chief of Japanese government to work under him, and signed up the appointment in October 1873.
But, he delayed departure more than a half year to take care of his weak wife.
He left Japan at the end of October 1876 after termination of his contract, and following year returned to the Hydrographic Office as a draughtsman.
In April 1881, he transferred to the Royal Geographical Society as chief draughtsman.