"A compass is a device that shows the cardinal directions used for navigation and geographic orientation."
Study various tools and techniques used by ancient cartographers such as compass, astrolabe, celestial globe, and surveying techniques.
The History of Mapping: A study of the creation and evolution of maps and mapping tools, starting from the ancient times to modern times.
Cartography Principles: An exploration of the fundamental principles of cartography, such as map projections and map scales.
Geographical Coordinate Systems: An understanding of how geographical coordinates are used to precisely locate points on the earth's surface.
Ancient Mapping Techniques: A study of the methods and techniques used by ancient explorers and cartographers to create maps.
Digital Mapping Tools: An introduction to the use of digital mapping tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing technology.
Map Design and Layout: A discussion of how cartographers design and lay out maps to make them user-friendly.
Cartographic Visualization: An exploration of the techniques used to visualize geographic data on maps.
Geographic Information Science: An overview of the concepts and principles of GIS, including data management and spatial analysis.
Map Making Software: An introduction to the use of software tools for creating maps, such as Adobe Illustrator and ArcGIS.
Map Metadata: An understanding of the importance of metadata to describe maps and the data associated with them.
Web Mapping Applications: An overview of the use of web-based mapping tools, such as Google Maps and OpenStreetMap.
Historical Map Analysis: An exploration of the use of historical maps in understanding past events and changes in the world.
Spatial Data Analysis: An introduction to the use of spatial data analysis techniques and software for understanding geographical patterns and relationships.
Geographic Data Visualization: An exploration of how to visually present geographic data using charts, graphs, and other visualizations.
Cartographic Ethics: A discussion of the ethical considerations in cartography and the use and distribution of geographic data.
Ptolemaic maps: The Ptolemaic maps depict the world as it was known during the period between 100 and 160 AD. They were created by Ptolemy, a Greek geographer, astronomer, and mathematician.
Portolan charts: Portolan charts were created in the 13th and 14th centuries and were primarily used for navigation by sea. They depicted coastlines, harbors, and landmarks to aid in the navigation of ships.
Mappa mundi: Mappa mundi maps were produced in the Middle Ages and had a symbolic, rather than geographical, representation of the world. They were often decorated with religious imagery.
Parchment maps: Parchment maps were created using animal hides that were stretched, prepared, and then drawn on. They were often used in the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
Nautical charts: Nautical charts were created for the purpose of assisting sailors and navigators, especially during the age of exploration. They included coastal features, depths, and navigation aids.
Celestial maps: Celestial maps were created to depict the positions of the stars and planets. They were used in navigation and also helped astronomers study the heavens.
Topographical maps: Topographical maps depict the physical features of the earth's surface, such as mountains, valleys, rivers, and lakes. They are often used for planning and scientific purposes.
Mercator projection: The Mercator projection is a type of cylindrical map projection that was first created in the 16th century. It is notable for its preservation of angles and shapes, but it distorts the size of landmasses at the poles.
Globe: A globe is a three-dimensional model of the earth. They can be used for educational purposes, as well as for navigation and exploratory purposes.
Geographic information systems (GIS): GIS are computer-based systems that are used to collect, store, and analyze data about geographic features. They are used in a variety of fields, including urban planning, environmental management, and emergency management.
Aerial photography: Aerial photography involves taking photographs from an aircraft or satellite. It is often used to create maps of areas that are difficult to access by other means.
Lidar: Lidar is a remote sensing technique that uses light detection and ranging to measure distances. It is often used to create accurate topographical maps.
Sonar: Sonar is a technique that uses sound waves to measure distances. It is often used for ocean mapping and exploration.
Magnetic surveys: Magnetic surveys measure the earth's magnetic field to create maps of the underlying geology. They are often used in mineral exploration and geophysical studies.
Satellite remote sensing: Satellite remote sensing involves using satellites to collect data about the earth's surface. It can be used to create maps of land use, vegetation cover, and other features.
"It commonly consists of a magnetized needle or other element, such as a compass card or compass rose, which can pivot to align itself with magnetic north."
"Other methods may be used, including gyroscopes, magnetometers, and GPS receivers."
"Compasses often show angles in degrees."
"North corresponds to 0°."
"The angles increase clockwise, so east is 90°, south is 180°, and west is 270°."
"If local variation between magnetic north and true north is known, then the direction of magnetic north also gives the direction of true north."
"The magnetic compass was first invented as a device for divination as early as the Chinese Han Dynasty (since c. 206 BC)."
"The compass was later adopted for navigation by the Song Dynasty Chinese during the 11th century."
"The first usage of a compass recorded in Western Europe and the Islamic world occurred around 1190."
"It commonly consists of a magnetized needle or other element, such as a compass card or compass rose, which can pivot to align itself with magnetic north."
"Other methods may be used, including gyroscopes, magnetometers, and GPS receivers."
"These numbers allow the compass to show azimuths or bearings which are commonly stated in degrees."
"West is 270°."
"South is 180°."
"East is 90°."
"Among the Four Great Inventions, the magnetic compass was first invented as a device for divination."
"The magnetic compass was first invented as a device for divination."
"The compass was later adopted for navigation by the Song Dynasty Chinese."
"The first usage of a compass recorded in Western Europe and the Islamic world occurred around 1190."