Historical Maps And Cartography Questions
The significance of the Ptolemaic maps in the history of cartography is that they were the first known attempt to create a comprehensive and accurate representation of the world. These maps, created by the Greek geographer Claudius Ptolemy in the 2nd century AD, were based on a combination of existing knowledge and his own calculations. They introduced the concept of using latitude and longitude to create a grid system for mapping, which became a fundamental technique in cartography. The Ptolemaic maps also influenced later mapmakers and explorers, shaping their understanding of the world and guiding their voyages of discovery.