University of Exeter Researchers Uncover Secrets of 200-Year-Old Red Sea Sailing Chart, Revealing Indigenous Navigation Techniques
Researchers from the University of Exeter have successfully decoded a 200-year-old navigational chart from the Indian Ocean, revealing sophisticated indigenous navigation techniques used in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The chart, part of the Royal Geographical Society's collection, was originally acquired in 1835 and has been examined multiple times over the years. However, its full navigational potential was not understood until now. The chart, which includes over 180 islands and various landmarks, was written in Devanagari script, with 66 locations previously unidentified. The researchers have now identified these locations and established their coordinates, demonstrating the chart's advanced navigational capabilities. The study also highlighted the chart's use of rhumb lines for navigation, which served multiple purposes, including indicating travel directions and marking safe passages. 
