Exploration And Discoveries Questions
During the Age of Exploration, several major discoveries were made in the field of cartography. Some of these include:
1. Accurate mapping of new lands: Explorers like Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan made significant contributions to cartography by accurately mapping previously unknown lands. They provided detailed information about coastlines, islands, and geographical features, which greatly expanded the world map.
2. Development of navigational tools: The Age of Exploration saw the development and improvement of navigational tools such as the astrolabe, compass, and quadrant. These instruments allowed explorers to determine their latitude and longitude, enabling more accurate mapping and navigation.
3. Creation of new map projections: Cartographers during this period experimented with different map projections to represent the curved surface of the Earth on a flat map. Gerardus Mercator, for example, developed the Mercator projection, which preserved the shape of landmasses but distorted their size.
4. Exploration of trade routes: Explorers sought new trade routes to access valuable resources and establish trade networks. As they discovered new routes, these were incorporated into maps, leading to the development of more accurate and detailed trade route maps.
5. Identification of new continents and oceans: The Age of Exploration led to the discovery of new continents, such as the Americas, and new oceans, such as the Pacific. These discoveries expanded the understanding of the world's geography and were reflected in updated maps.
Overall, the major discoveries made during the Age of Exploration in the field of cartography greatly expanded geographical knowledge, improved navigational techniques, and contributed to the development of more accurate and detailed maps.