wereldkaarten

Wereldkaarten, or world maps, are graphical representations of the Earth's surface, showing the locations of continents, countries, and other features. The earliest known world maps date back to ancient times, with examples found in various cultures, including those of the Greeks, Romans, and Chinese. These early maps were often symbolic or schematic, rather than geographically accurate.

The development of more accurate world maps began in the Middle Ages, with the introduction of the magnetic compass and advances in cartography. One of the most significant early world maps is the Hereford Mappa Mundi, created in the 12th century, which is notable for its detailed depiction of the known world at the time. The Portolan charts of the Mediterranean, developed by Italian sailors in the 13th and 14th centuries, were also crucial in the early mapping of the world.

The Age of Exploration, from the 15th to the 17th century, led to a significant increase in the accuracy and detail of world maps. Explorers such as Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, and Vasco da Gama provided new geographical information, which was incorporated into maps by cartographers like Gerardus Mercator. Mercator's world map, published in 1569, is one of the most famous and influential maps in history, introducing the concept of a cylindrical projection.

Modern world maps are based on extensive geographical data and use various projections to represent the three-dimensional surface of the Earth on a two-dimensional plane. Common projections include the Mercator projection, used for navigation, and the Robinson projection, designed for general reference. World maps continue to evolve with advances in technology and the collection of new data, such as satellite imagery and global positioning systems (GPS).

World maps serve various purposes, including education, navigation, research, and cultural understanding. They help individuals and societies understand the world's geography, cultural diversity, and political boundaries. Additionally, world maps are essential tools for scientists, policymakers, and businesses that require a global perspective.