Impact Of Technology On Christopher Columbus

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Technology’s impact on the Voyage of Christopher Columbus

Christopher Columbus set sail to his first voyage on the Atlantic ocean in 1492. He died in 1506. Technological advances had greatly changed our world since the voyages of Christopher Columbus. However, his voyage would have changed in time, navigation, and communication. Therefore, if he had just some of the technology we have today in 2016, this would have a beneficial impact and change to carrying out his voyages to seeking the “New World.” During his voyage, in order to keep track of time Christopher Columbus used an hourglass/sandglass, calendar, and also the stars. This worked ,but it wasn’t very convenient at times. If he used the sandglass, it would act as a timer ,but the …show more content…

Calendars were also another way of keeping track of the days. He made calendars out of paper, which could rip/tear or fly away if it got caught in the wind. Another tool he would use to keep track of time would be the stars. He would locate the North star and the Big Dipper and it would tell him the time. This wasn’t always convenient because sometimes at night the sky could be foggy and the clouds could cover up the stars. These methods were useful ,but at some point they became an issue. Another aspect of the past that could have been improved would be the lack of communication from outside the ship that Columbus didn’t have. He also didn’t have a resourceful use of navigation during his voyage. In the 1400’s, people only had use of maps, and compasses. Maps can be hard to read if the location you are trying to find is small on the map. Maps can also become an issue if it is raining. Rain can ruin the paper and smudge ink and will make it easier to rip and tear. Christopher also used an object called …show more content…

Now our ways of identifying the time, navigation, and communication are much easier and faster. One way that we can keep track of time fast and easy is a clock. A clock can give you the time as soon as you look at it. There are different types of clocks. I think a digital clock or even just a wrist watch would have helped Christopher Columbus save so much time when it came to checking it. This would be way more efficient because clocks are accurate, and they are a way better source because of how much time it would save you rather than using an hourglass, calendars, or the stars. In 2016, we have also advanced in ways of tracking navigation. When Columbus was setting sail on his voyage he only had access to maps and quadrants, which weren’t efficient at times. Instead of going through all the confusion, trouble, and wasting time, we now have access to something called a GPS. This is a global positioning system. A GPS is digital and will tell you exactly where to go. Some of them even talk to you and you don’t even half to look down at the screen. All you have to do is listen and follow the directions that it tells you to go. A Gps is a very easy and timeless way of tracking navigation. Another issue that occurred during his voyage was lack of communication. While Columbus was on his voyage, there was no way that he could communicate to anyone that was off the ship or to far away where he couldn’t talk to them. There was no

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