PORTOLANO Meaning and
Definition
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Portolano refers to a type of navigational instrument or maritime chart that was widely used during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods. Derived from the Italian word "portolano" or "portulan," meaning "related to a port," it served as a valuable tool for sailors and navigators to navigate their way across the seas.
A portolano is essentially a detailed map or chart designed specifically for coastal navigation. It provides precise information about coastlines, ports, harbors, and navigational hazards. Typically, it includes a series of compass roses, rhumb lines, and coastal landmarks, enabling mariners to plot their course accurately.
What distinguishes a portolano from other types of maps or charts is its emphasis on practicality and usefulness. Rather than showcasing topographical features or illustrating the overall geography, a portolano prioritizes the critical points of interest for seafarers. It could offer information about harbor depths, tidal currents, and other crucial details needed for successful navigation.
Traditionally, portolanos were hand-drawn and meticulously crafted by experienced cartographers. These charts were often passed down from one generation of navigators to another, gradually accumulating important knowledge about various seafaring regions.
While the use of portolanos has largely been replaced by modern electronic navigation systems, they still hold historical and cultural significance. Today, these beautifully illustrated navigational charts can be found in museums and collections, offering glimpses into the early navigation techniques and seafaring traditions of the past.
Common Misspellings for PORTOLANO
- oortolano
- lortolano
- 0ortolano
- pirtolano
- pkrtolano
- plrtolano
- pprtolano
- p0rtolano
- p9rtolano
- poetolano
- podtolano
- poftolano
- pottolano
- po5tolano
- po4tolano
- porrolano
- porfolano
- porgolano
- poryolano
- por6olano
Etymology of PORTOLANO
The word "portolano" has its roots in the Italian language. It is derived from the Italian word "portolano", which is ultimately derived from the Latin word "portus" meaning "port". In medieval times, a "portolano" referred to a type of navigational manual or sailing guide that provided detailed information about ports, coasts, and sea routes. Over time, the term "portolano" has come to refer to any navigational map or chart used by sailors.
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