Chinese nautical cartography and portolan charts (Song–Ming, 10th–17th centuries)

1. Quanzhou’s Maritime Trade Office established

   Jan 1, 1087Labels: Quanzhou Maritime, Quanzhou Port

   • Quanzhou Gov
   • UNESCO

2. Shen Kuo describes magnetized needle behavior

   Jan 1, 1088Labels: Shen Kuo

   • Shen Kuo

3. Zhu Yu records compass-based ocean navigation

   Jan 1, 1111Labels: Zhu Yu

   • Zhu Yu
   • Compass Hist

4. Portolan chart style spreads in the Mediterranean

   Jan 1, 1300Labels: Portolan Charts, Mediterranean

   • Portolan

5. Zheng He voyages institutionalize long-distance route knowledge

   Jan 1, 1405Labels: Zheng He, Ming navy

   • LOC Wubei
   • Mao Kun

6. Chinese sailing directions compiled as “Shunfeng Xiangsong” traditions

   Jan 1, 1550Labels: Shunfeng Xiangsong, Ming pilots

   • Compass Hist
   • Selden Map

7. Selden Map created with merchant shipping routes

   Jan 1, 1619Labels: Selden Map, Fujian coast

   • Bodleian Map
   • Bodleian Work

8. Wubei Zhi compiled, preserving the Mao Kun route charts

   Jan 1, 1621Labels: Wubei Zhi, Mao Kun

   • LOC Wubei
   • Mao Kun

9. Mao Kun map published with Wubei Zhi editions

   Jan 1, 1628Labels: Mao Kun, Wubei Zhi

   • Mao Kun
   • LOC Wubei

10. Selden Map documented in John Selden’s will

    Jan 1, 1653Labels: John Selden, Selden Map

    • Bodleian Map

11. Selden Map enters the Bodleian Library collection

    Jan 1, 1659Labels: Bodleian Library, Selden Map

    • Bodleian Map
    • WHC Selden

12. Selden Map rediscovered and recognized for route network

    Jan 1, 2008Labels: Selden Map, Robert Batchelor

    • Bodleian Map
    • Bodleian Blog