The Evolution of Maritime Navigation

Maritime navigation has transformed significantly, particularly from the early maps that provided mere coastal outlines to more complex track maps in the 16th century that represented specific oceanic journeys. Initially, ancient navigators relied on land-based landmarks for guidance, and wide expanses of water remained largely unmapped. The introduction of track maps, which visually represented navigators' routes, marked a paradigm shift in how seafarers perceived their journeys; they began to rely on celestial navigation for orientation. This transition not only altered the methods of navigation but also influenced the mindset of explorers who now viewed the world from an aerial perspective, paving the way for modern map-making techniques.