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Technological innovation relating to exploration, such as cartography and ship-building, enhanced and accelerated European expansion.

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Technological innovation relating to exploration, such as cartography and ship-building, enhanced and accelerated European expansion.

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16th Century Astrolabe, Circa 16th Century 

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16th Century Astrolabe, Circa 16th Century 

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The Astrolabe was a key technological innovation that enhanced the navigation skills of sailors. The Astrolabe was used to determine a ship's latitude based on the location of Polaris and the Sun. Initially designed in Ancient Greece, the Astrolabe helped astronomers determine the location of stars which ultimately helped with navigation, but most of all it was able to tell the time of day or night and approximate the time of sunrise and sunset.

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Wiley Royal Geographical Society Article on English Map-Making in the 16th Century

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Wiley Royal Geographical Society Article on English Map-Making in the 16th Century

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This article explains how the English sailors and Cartographers were considered expert map-makers at the time of European Exploration. This contributed and accelerated the European Exploration, as the English were able to create more accurate maps, that gave sailors a better idea of where in the ocean they were, relative to nearby land masses. As explained elsewhere in this exhibition, the advanced maps allowed sailors to discover new destinations, as well as visit old ones, with relative ease compared to the long uncharted voyages of the past.

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Video from Mariners Museum on 15-16th Century Portuguese Caravel

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Video from Mariners Museum on 15-16th Century Portuguese Caravel

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This video explains the true nature an innovation of the caravel and shipbuilding overall. While Columbus did not use the caravel, it evolved from fishing boats and due to its small size were able to maneuver the seas very well. Additionally, the caravel had a draft that allowed it to conquer the deep seas for trade and exploration. Columbus' Niña and Pinta, were larger versions of the caravel that produced great power and maneuverability. The innovation of shipbuilding greatly contributed to the European expansion and exploration as demonstrated by Columbus' voyage.

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Shipbuilding Refinements - Segment 3 of 4 - "Portuguese Caravel"

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New Magnetic Compass Design, Circa. 16th Century

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New Magnetic Compass Design, Circa. 16th Century

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The Magnetic Compass had a large magnetized needle that swayed across a circular plane where many directions of travel were drawn. Separated by 11.25 degrees the magnetic compass has 32 points representing various directions of travel. This new compass enabled merchants and explorers to determine their heading even when the sky was unclear and when landmarks were far from site. Ultimately this aided and expanded maritime trade and discovery.

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The new Caravel ships built by the Portuguese, enabled and accelerated European Exploration, due to the ships having a lighter overall weight, despite the ability to hold more cargo. Due to this lighter weight, Europeans were able to travel both further and faster to new destinations. Additionally, the ability to the Caravel to hold more cargo, allowed for the Europeans to pack more food and supplies, allowing for lengthier expeditions.

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The newer maps designed by European cartographers, were fueled by the discovery of many other new navigation equipment shown throughout this exhibit. However, these new maps themselves had a great impact on European Exploration. With these new maps, ship captains and traders had a better idea of what was in the world around them, allowing for new trade routes, and better pathways to reach destinations around the globe.