“Developments in cartography and navigation were the main factors that enabled Spanish and Portuguese exploration.” Discuss.

Candidates are required to offer a considered review of the extent to which developments in cartography and navigation enabled and encouraged explorers to travel over much greater distances. They may refer to the fact that the publication of Ptolemy’s Geography stimulated geographical research as it made clear that the earth was spherical and that it might be possible to reach Asia by crossing the Atlantic. Candidates may also consider other factors such as the role played by commercial interests, patronage of influential leaders such as Henry the Navigator and the ambition of individual explorers. Technological developments, especially in shipbuilding, may be considered. Candidates may argue that navigation was less important as most voyages were close to land and navigational aids were initially unreliable.