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Compass Use in Navigation (Yuan–Ming Transition)

Type Object Region Asia Time 1271–1433

Yuan maritime trade and grain transport institutionalized magnetic-needle compass navigation, with merchant and official fleets using it alongside st…

Timeline

  1. 1271–1310Quanzhou · Southeast coastThe early Yuan continued the Song tradition of water compasses; merchant ships from Quanzhou, Guangzhou, and other ports set courses by compass, combined with compass-route records, sailing between Japan, Ryukyu, and Southeast Asian ports.
  2. 1311–1320Southeast China coast to South China Sea routes · South China SeaBetween 1311 and 1320, the compass combined with star-altitude techniques and compass-route charts became routine for ocean voyages; pilots recorded courses by compass bearing, sustaining the Yuan's continuing maritime tributary and private trade networks.
  3. 1368–1433Longjiang, Nanjing (Treasure Ship Yard) · East ChinaLate-Yuan and early-Ming navigation experience carried over to Zheng He's fleets; compass routes and more systematic sea charts supported the seven treasure-fleet voyages of 1405–1433.

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