Portuguese craftsmen such as Agostinho de Goes Raposo, Francisco Gois and João Dias perfected the construction of nautical instruments. The Portuguese caravel – and its successors the great nau {1480} and the galleon {1510} – were also significantly better than other sailing ships of the time. Finally, with the Cantino Map of 1502, the Portuguese achieved a breakthrough in cartography: the first modern projection of the world's geography, with largely accurate depictions of the world's major continents aside from Australia and Antarctica {plate 7}.
Portuguese craftsmen played a crucial role in advancing nautical technology during the age of exploration. Figures like Agostinho de Goes Raposo, Francisco Gois, and João Dias were instrumental in refining the design of maritime instruments. This innovation was complemented by the development of superior ships, notably the caravel, the nau, and the galleon, which surpassed other vessels of their time in terms of design and capability.
Additionally, the Cantino Map of 1502 marked a significant milestone in the field of cartography, showcasing the first modern projection of world geography. This map provided relatively accurate representations of major continents, excluding Australia and Antarctica, indicating a major advancement in navigational knowledge and exploration during this period.
