Early Chinese Cartography
Cartography or mapmaking (in Greek chartis = map and graphein = write) is the study and practice of making representations of the Earth on a flat surface. Cartography combines science, aesthetics, and technical ability to create a balanced and readable representation that is capable of communicating information effectively and quickly. However, most of the record in the history of cartography is based on Europe, not mentioned so much in Chinese history. Native Chinese geography begins in the Warring States period (5th century BC). It expands its scope beyond the Chinese homeland with the growth of the Chinese Empire under the Han Dynasty. It enters its golden age with the invention of the compass in the 11th century (Song Dynasty) and peaks with 15th century (Ming Dynasty) Chinese exploration of the Pacific under admiral Zheng He.
Read more about Early Chinese Cartography: Maps in Ancient China, A Classical Legend, Earliest Reference To Map From The Qin Dynasty, Qin State Maps, Han Dynasty Maps, Maps in Ming Dynasty, Survey Map in Qing Dynasty, See Also
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