• Used to calculate         

  latitude

• Rough Greek translation is "star-taker"

• Uses stars, planets and the sun to identify location

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Astrolabe

150 CE

​15th Century recreation of Ptolemy's Projection

1402 CE

Kwon Kun Kangnido's Map

​ Maps

GPS​

Today maps are created using GPS (global positioning system), utilizing satellites and absolute location. These allows maps to be accurate. We also have satellite images that help us understand what the world looks like.

Early Maps

Early cartographers (people who make maps) did not have these modern day tools. Instead they relied largely on personal observation, experience, and other maps.

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As you might have noticed, there was no North or South America on the map. Why? The cartographers had never seen or experienced North or South America. ​

Why are there so many different maps?

​The average person in the 15th century would not have had a map. Maps were reserved for the wealthy and influential who could afford to have maps made for them. Remember they didn't have mass printers, the printing press was invented in 1436, but was primarily used for text.

A map projection is the way that features are shown or "projected on the map. Different projections are used for different purposes. Mercator's projection was useful for calculating longitude and latitude for transatlantic voyages.

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​Mercator's Projection 1569 CE

• Smaller – Could travel in open and shallow water

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• Triangular lateen sails- allowed ships to sail against the wind. 

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• A moveable rudder made the ship more maneuverable.

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• Spanish & Portuguese created it.

Caravel

• Used to calculate 

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LONGITUDE

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• Uses a timepiece (watch) and the alignment of the sun. 

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Chronometer