Recent Event Highlights: Use of Portolan Charts, Use of Nautical Charts , and 12 more...
Created by eakokol on Nov 14, 2010
Last updated: 11/15/10 at 07:15 PM
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A space-based global navigation satellite system that provides reliable location and time information in all weather and at all times.
A pseudocylindrical map projection generally used for global maps of the world (or sky).
An instrument used to measure the angle between any two visible objects. A common use of the sextant is to sight the sun at solar noon and to measure the elevation angle or at night to measure the elevation angle from the horizon plane to polaris to find one's latitude.
A clock which is precise enough to be used as a portable time standard; it can therefore be used to determine longitude with celestial navigation.
A version of the Backstaff created in 1594 by Captain John Davis that could reduce problems and increase the ease and accuracy of obtaining solar elevations.
A map projection presented by the Flemish geographer and cartographer Gerardus Mercator, in 1569. The Mercator projection distorts the size and shape of large objects, as the scale increases from the Equator to the poles.
A map made around 1450 by the Venetian monk Fra Mauro. It is a circular planisphere drawn on parchment and set in a wooden frame, about two meters in diameter. Commissioned by King Afonso V of Portugal.
Navigational maps based on realistic descriptions of harbours and coasts. They were first made in the 14th century in Italy, Portugal and Spain.
The Tabula Rogeriana was a description of the world and world map created by the Arab geographer, Muhammad al-Idrisi, in 1154.
Navigational instrument for determining direction relative to the Earth's magnetic poles. Its use was first written about by Zhu Yu in 1119. Zheng He was the first person recorded to have used the Chinese compass as a navigational aid. He used it in his voyage between 1405 and 1433.
Celestial navigation device that determines latitude
An astrolabe is a historical astronomical instrument used by astronomers, navigators, and astrologers. Some of its many uses include locating and predicting the positions of the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars, and determining local time.
Greek philosopher, politician, astronomer, geographer, historian and teacher native to Syria. The map was drawn in 1628 by cartographers Petrus Bertius & Melchior Tavernier based on Posidonious' theories.
First used by the Phoenicians in 2000 BC. Nautical charts have been used in one form or another since the sixth century B.C