New Navigation Instruments

To enable European expansion by water, explorers designed a number of new technological instruments. In fact, these instruments enabled navigators to orient themselves better and to chart more precise routes. However, even with these new tools, expeditions remained dangerous adventures.

The caravel is a new type of ship. Its smaller size and shallow hull make it easier to manoeuvre and more stable to sail.

This invention makes it possible to find your way, even at night, thanks to magnetic North.

This navigation tool enables explorers to find their north-south position (their latitude) in relation to the equator using the stars.

All these navigational instruments made it possible to explore unknown territories and contributed to the development of colonial trade.