- Chronometers: Precision timekeeping devices that allowed explorers to accurately determine longitude.
- Compasses: Magnetic devices that indicate direction, helping explorers navigate accurately
Cross-staffs: Instruments consisting of a graduated staff with a transverse rod, used for taking the angle between two points, assisting in celestial navigation.
- Diptych sun-dials: Portable sundials used to determine the time of day based on the position of the sun.
- Graphs and charts such as portolan charts, provided vital information about routes, coastlines, and hazards
Magnetic compasses: Devices that align with Earth's magnetic field, showing the direction of North.
- Maps: Hand-drawn or printed maps, often based on Ptolemy's works, depicting the known world and providing explorers with a general understanding of their location
- Octant: A navigational tool used to measure the angular distance between two points, especially celestial objects, for determining latitude.
- Quadrants: Instruments similar to octants, but with a quarter of a circle instead of an eighth, serving the same purpose.
- Sextants: Instruments used to measure the angular distance between two objects, mainly celestial bodies, aiding in determining latitude and longitude.
- Telescopes: Optical devices that allowed explorers to observe celestial objects more closely, enhancing navigation
Tools for Mapping:
- Compasses: Used to establish true north and align maps accordingly
- Log Line: A line attached to a wooden board or 'log chip', used to measure a ship's speed
- Magnetic Variation Compass: A compass equipped with a movable index that compensated for the variation of the magnetic North from true North.
- Maps: Blank or semi-blank maps were carried for explorers to document and update geographical features
Tools for Travel:
- Canes: Often used for support and as rudimentary surveying tools
Communication Devices
- Signal Flags and Horns: Used for maritime communication between vessels
- Trumpets: For sending signals during exploration and communication with local populations.