Cartografia – arte e ciência ​- Geografia - Ensino Médio

Summary

This lecture explores the dual nature of cartography, combining art and science. It traces the origins of mapping from the ancient Babylonian era, with the first cartographic representations on clay tablets, to Ptolemy's maps in 150 BC, which incorporated mathematical and astronomical knowledge. The influence of religious ideologies in the medieval period, where maps centered around Jerusalem, is highlighted. The Renaissance and Age of Discovery saw a resurgence of scientific mapping methods with the development of navigational charts. Ultimately, the lecture emphasizes how cartography blends technical skill, artistic expression, and ideological perspectives.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cartography is both a science and an art, as it involves scientific techniques and creative adaptations for representing geographical space.
• 😀 The first known map, made around 2500 BCE, was from the city of Girsu (modern-day Iraq) and represented the Euphrates River, likely for economic purposes like agriculture.
• 😀 Ancient cartography, including the work of Ptolemy in 150 BCE, used mathematical and astronomical principles to create more accurate maps.
• 😀 Ptolemy's maps included the first representations of latitude, marking a significant advancement in scientific cartography.
• 😀 During the Middle Ages, maps were influenced by the Catholic Church, with Jerusalem at the center and a focus on theological rather than geographical accuracy.
• 😀 The T-O map from the Middle Ages was an example of a map structured around religious beliefs rather than empirical geographic knowledge.
• 😀 The Renaissance brought a revival of humanism, leading to a more scientific approach to cartography, as seen in the development of the Portolan maps.
• 😀 Portolan maps were designed for maritime navigation and featured angular lines based on geographical landmarks to help sailors chart their routes.
• 😀 Cartography has always been influenced by the cultural, ideological, and economic needs of the societies that created the maps.
• 😀 Maps reflect the values and goals of the societies that produce them, often showcasing ideological, economic, or religious motivations.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of cartography?

Cartography is the science and art of representing geographical space through various forms such as maps, charts, and models, primarily for study or demonstration purposes.

How does cartography combine both art and science?

Cartography is both an art and a science because while it uses scientific methods and criteria (such as mathematics and astronomy) to create accurate representations of space, it also involves creative interpretation, adaptation, and ideological perspectives.

What was the significance of the map found in Girsu, Babylon (around 2500 BCE)?

The map from Girsu in Babylon is one of the earliest known examples of cartography. It represented a part of the Euphrates River and likely served economic purposes, such as organizing land for agriculture or marking locations for resource collection.

What was the role of Ptolemy's map (150 BCE) in the development of cartography?

Ptolemy's map was a groundbreaking work that introduced the concept of latitude and applied mathematical and astronomical principles to map-making. It represented the known world of Europe, Africa, and Asia, and included features like the direction of winds and unknown territories.

How did the Church influence cartography during the Middle Ages?

During the Middle Ages, the Christian Church strongly influenced cartography, resulting in maps that were theocentric, with Jerusalem placed at the center. These maps emphasized religious ideas over scientific accuracy, and the concept of Earth’s sphericity was largely abandoned.

What is the significance of T-O maps in medieval cartography?

T-O maps were symbolic representations of the world during the medieval period, with Jerusalem at the center and the Earth divided into three parts (Europe, Africa, and Asia). These maps reflected the religious and ideological views of the time, rather than geographic accuracy.

How did the Renaissance influence cartography?

The Renaissance brought a resurgence of humanism, which led to the revival of scientific and rational thought. This shift influenced cartography, with a return to mathematical and geographical accuracy, as seen in the development of more precise maps for navigation and exploration.

What are portolan charts, and how did they aid explorers in the 16th century?

Portolan charts were navigational maps used in the 16th century, designed with angular lines that connected geographical points to help sailors navigate across oceans. They were essential for exploring new territories, such as the Americas, and for establishing trade routes.

What was the role of the Cantino Planisphere in the exploration of the Americas?

The Cantino Planisphere, created in 1502, was an early map that depicted the Americas and played a crucial role in guiding European explorers. It helped them navigate to new lands, such as Brazil, and was instrumental in the colonial and economic expansion of Europe.

Why is cartography considered an art as well as a science?

Cartography is considered an art because it involves creative interpretation, the adaptation of space representation, and the incorporation of ideological and cultural perspectives. It is not just about accuracy but also about conveying a story, purpose, or worldview through maps.