User:Mcapdevila/Catalan maps
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Catalan charts, Catalan maps or Catalan portolans are a subtype of the medieval period (1300–1500) portolan chart. Portolan charts are a type of map generated by using a mariner's compass and direct observation to determine the shape and location of coastlines and ports. The term "portolan" means "pertaining to ports and harbors" and should not be confused with "relating to Portugal". Sometimes they are referred to as "Catalan type" portolans or simply Catalan portolans.[1] Two primary subgroups of medieval period portolan maps exist, the Italian, and the Catalan. While both the Italian and Catalan maps derive from the same common source (readings from a compass combined with direct observation), there are several differences, both in terms of style and in content.