How were maps made before we had satellites? How did they get the shape of the continents so accurately?

Question

How were maps made before we had satellites? How did they get the shape of the continents so accurately?

Answer 1

         Mathmatics and navigation skills.One of the greatest accurate map makers was Captain James Cook.

Answer 2

1.  The ability to accurately measure distance.

2.  The ability to accurately measure direction.

Maps before satellites began with mathematicians in Egypt, China and other ancient civilizations. They used compasses and surveying devices to map different locations like nearby cities, rivers, mountains and oceans.   As time and cartography progressed, distances and direction could be identified on a map more accurately.

For example, take several coordinates (distance and direction) of coastal points in Africa.  Then plot the points on a blank grid.  It would show the size and shape of Africa.

Answer 3

Find some material on the subjects of surveying, and navigation. It's all rather simple in concept, but takes some detailed explanation.  

Answer 4

They shipped very much, and they was traveling around the world very much too