The period of discoveries and inventions in geography expanded knowledge, improved navigation, mapped territories, and shaped modern geographical understanding.
Exploration of New Lands: During the discovery period, explorers like Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan ventured into uncharted territories, discovering new lands and mapping coastlines. These voyages significantly expanded geographical knowledge.
Mapmaking and Cartography: Advancements in mapmaking techniques occurred during this period. Ptolemy's Geographia, an ancient text was rediscovered during the Renaissance. It provided a foundation for modern cartography. Improved navigational instruments like the astrolabe and compass enhanced accuracy in mapping.
Understanding Earth's Shape and Size: The discovery period saw efforts to determine the shape and size of the Earth. Ferdinand Magellan's circumnavigation expedition (1519–1522) provided evidence supporting the theory of a spherical Earth.
Geographical Expeditions: Explorers embarked on expeditions to study and document geographical phenomena. For instance, James Cook's voyages in the late 18th century contributed to the understanding of Pacific geography and ocean currents.
Discovery of Geographic Features: Notable geographic features were discovered during this period. For instance, the Amazon River was explored by Francisco de Orellana in the 16th century, adding to knowledge about South America's vast river systems.
Identification of Continents and Oceans: Exploration efforts led to the identification and naming of continents and oceans. For example, Amerigo Vespucci's voyages to the New World resulted in the naming of the continents after him. Additionally, the Pacific Ocean was named by Ferdinand Magellan.
Exchange of Geographic Knowledge: Discoveries and inventions facilitated the exchange of geographic knowledge between different cultures and civilizations. This exchange enriched understanding of global geography and contributed to the development of cartography and navigation techniques.
