Os objetivos da circunavegação da U.S. Exploring Expedition (1838-1842): longitude, mapeamento náutico e instituição das coordenadas geográficas modernas

Mary Anne Junqueira

doi:10.1590/s0104-59702012000100003

Mary Anne Junqueira

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s0104-59702012000100003

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Abstract

This article analyzes the main objectives of the scientific voyage to circumnavigate the earth, undertaken by the United States from 1838 to 1842. Charting was one of the most important of the scientific and strategic goals of the exploratory voyage. The initiative for the undertaking was the search for exact positioning on the high seas after the establishment of the longitude system, when nautical charts and maps from various countries were compared, and other, new ones were drawn. The United States participated in this international effort, leading to the creation of its own cartographic system.

Highlights

Disponível em: http://scielo.br/hcsm Abstract This article analyzes the main objectives of the scientific voyage to circumnavigate the earth, undertaken by the United States from 1838 to 1842
We seek to understand the extensive nautical charting undertaken by the U.S Exploring Expedition
We will recount some relevant aspects of the expedition; we will discuss the establishment of longitudes on the high seas and the establishment of modern geographic coordinates and lastly, we will describe some specific aspects of US mapping

Summary

Mary Anne Junqueira

Based on illuminist rationality and mathematical calculations used for calculation of space and the form of the globe, the objective of the two countries was more accurate positioning on the high seas, to define and map points of interest or danger for navigation, reduce costs and ensure the free flow of goods, avoiding the losses common to long voyages In other words, they sought ways to make voyages safer and avoid financial losses of various types. Some verified the charts of others, in an attempt to unify knowledge of the Earth, but without putting aside competition and power disputes The results of these circumnavigation voyages, as with other explorations with both scientific and strategic purposes, were carefully edited before publication. The race to that region was considered a second wave of exploration and ‘discoveries’ by the Europeans, when new charts were redrawn and those used until were verified (Finney, 1998)

Longitude and the establishment of modern geographic coordinates

Final considerations