Question
Here is the question : PORTOLAN CHARTS WERE MARITIME MAPS THAT HELPED SAILORS NAVIGATE WHAT?
Option
Here is the option for the question :
- The stars
- The coast of Portugal
- Port to port
- Magnetic fields
The Answer:
And, the answer for the the question is :
Explanation:
In the early 14th century, at the start of the Age of Exploration, the first navigation charts were created. In 1311, an Italian cartographer named Petrus Vesconte produced the first known dated chart. Mariners could employ compass points and wind directions with these portolan maps since they followed simple coastal outlines.
Portolan charts were a type of maritime map that was used by sailors to navigate the seas from port to port. These maps were developed during the Middle Ages and were widely used by European sailors during the Age of Exploration.
Portolan charts were highly detailed and accurate, using a combination of compass directions, distances, and landmarks to guide sailors from one port to another. The maps were created by skilled cartographers who based their work on the observations of experienced sailors and the reports of travelers who had visited the regions depicted on the maps.
The portolan charts were designed to be highly practical and functional, rather than purely decorative or artistic. They were usually drawn on vellum or parchment, using ink and pigments to create a clear and legible image. The maps were often bound into books or atlases, which sailors could take with them on their voyages.
One of the most important features of the portolan charts was the use of compass roses, which indicated the direction of the cardinal points of the compass. These roses were often highly ornate and decorated, with intricate designs and patterns that added to the beauty of the map. The maps also included detailed illustrations of ports, harbors, and coastlines, along with information about the prevailing winds and currents in the region.
Portolan charts were essential tools for sailors during the Age of Exploration, as they allowed them to navigate the seas with greater accuracy and confidence. They were especially important for long-distance voyages, where sailors needed to be able to plot their course and avoid potential hazards such as reefs, shoals, and rocks.
portolan charts are highly valued by collectors and historians for their historical and artistic significance. They provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of medieval navigation and the challenges faced by sailors during this period. While modern navigational technology has made portolan charts largely obsolete, they remain an important part of the history of maritime exploration and navigation.