456 years ago in 1569, Gerardus Mercator introduced new ideas on map making that revolutionized maritime navigation. 30 years later, with the founding of the British and Dutch East India Companies, the quest for money and power in the East was on.
Cartographers were essential. Reliable maps could determine economic success or failure, and make the difference between life and death. To make such maps, the crew documented virtually everything during each journey. Upon return, these notes were heavily guarded – and turned into amazingly accurate maps.
Cartography is a science and an art. It would be naïve to assume that maps were solely made for navigation: they were preferably used to fool the enemy, lure investors, impress others, and show off national pride.
Join RGS-Singapore and Wouter de Gier for an evening talk about the maps that made the age of exploration. Together, we will dive into the challenges of exploring the East and learn about the history of map making. Discover what the unique and beautiful antique maps of the East tell us (or don’t tell us!) about history. Come see for yourself as several of these rare maps will be on display at the event!
