| Description |
1 online resource (xxv, 544 pages) : illustrations, maps, charts. |
| Physical Medium |
polychrome |
| Description |
text file |
| Series |
History of science and medicine library ; volume 52
|
|
History of science and medicine library ; 52.
|
| Summary |
The sudden appearance of portolan charts, realistic nautical charts of the Mediterranean and Black Sea, at the end of the thirteenth century is one of the most significant occurrences in the history of cartography. Using geodetic and statistical analysis techniques these charts are shown to be mosaics of partial charts that are considerably more accurate than has been assumed. Their accuracy exceeds medieval mapping capabilities. These sub-charts show a remarkably good agreement with the Mercator map projection. It is demonstrated that this map projection can only have been an intentional feature of the charts construction. Through geodetic analysis the author eliminates the possibility that the charts are original products of a medieval Mediterranean nautical culture, which until now they have been widely believed to be.0. |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references and index. |
| Contents |
Introduction -- Key characteristics of Portolan charts -- Existing hypotheses on the origin and construction method of Portolan charts -- Cartometric analysis; methodology and existing research -- Cartometric analysis of five charts -- The relationship between Portolans and Portolan charts -- Constraints on shipping and navigation in the medieval Mediterranean -- The map projection, artificial or intentional? -- Navigational practices in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries -- An Arabic-Islamic origin of Portolan charts? -- Conclusions -- Synthesis. |
| Local Note |
eBooks on EBSCOhost EBSCO eBook Subscription Academic Collection - North America |
| Subject |
Nautical charts -- History.
|
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Nautical charts. |
|
History. |
|
Navigation -- History.
|
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Cartography -- History.
|
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Navigation. |
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Cartography. |
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TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING -- Military Science. |
| Genre/Form |
Electronic books.
|
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History.
|
| Other Form: |
Print version: Nicolai, Roel. Enigma of the origin of Portolan charts. Leiden ; Boston : Brill, 2016 9789004282971 (DLC) 2016000465 (OCoLC)932069190 |
| ISBN |
9789004285125 (electronic book) |
|
9004285121 (electronic book) |
|
9789004282971 (hardback ; alkaline paper) |
|
9004282971 (hardback ; alkaline paper) |
| Standard No. |
10.1163/9789004285125 |
|
