Using Astronomy in Mapmaking

Using Astronomy in Mapmaking

Compass

• An early compasses was simply a magnetic needle on a block of wood

• These tools were used about 1000 years ago

• Later, the needle was mounted on a wind rose and became known as a compass rose that showed the four directions

• The most important direction is magnetic north

Astrolabe

• An astrolabe is an instrument that measures altitude of the stars, sun, moon, and planets

• Early users of this device measured the position of these bodies above the horizon and from this they were able to determine their location

• They also measured the angle at which the sun was above the horizon

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Cross Staff

• Similar to the astrolabe, this tool measured the altitude of the sun

• Using this tool. cartographers (mapmakers) could determine the line of latitude

• It was widely used by sailors as it was easy to use when in the ocean

FNMI Navigation

• How do you think FNMI peoples found their way around without maps?

• Athabasca is the Cree word for "where the reeds grow"

• Ontario means "beautiful lake"

• Saskatchewan means "swift flowing river"

• Based on these meanings, how do you think FNMI peoples came up with the names of places?

• More FNMI derived names can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_place_names_in_Canada_of_Indigenous_origin

Multiple Choice

What is this tool called?

• Astrolabe

• Cross Staff

• Compass

Multiple Choice

What is this tool called?

• Compass

• Astrolabe

• Cross Staff

Multiple Choice

How many years ago were compasses used?

• 100

• 1000

• 10 000

Multiple Choice

What were astrolabes used for?

• Measure the altitude of planets, stars, the sun, and the moon.

• Navigate directions.

• Measure longitude.

Multiple Choice

What tool was easiest to use while at sea?

• Compass

• Astrolabe

• Cross Staff