From mapping the stars to the quest to determine longtitude, read all about the astronomical and horological methods used throughout history to aid navigation. Plus, read about the evolution of compass design and discover how charts were used to map the world. 

23 Feb 2022
Early charts from the Mediterranean
The Caird Library and Archive’s display case highlighted three colourful charts from the rich cartographic collection of Royal Museums Greenwich.
Explore this stunning 16th century table globe - in 3D
Take a virtual spin and explore one of the National Maritime Museum's most important globes.
7 female scientists you might not have heard of
Einstein, Newton and Galileo are names we have heard numerous times. But who are the women who have changed the world of science, and why don’t we know their names too?
True north and magnetic north: what's the difference?
In September 2019, for the first time in over 360 years, compasses at Greenwich pointed true north. But what does this mean - and haven't compasses always pointed 'north'? 
25 Aug 2016
Survey charts and coastal profiles by Horatio Nelson Head, 1821-25
Graham Thompson presents a collection of drawings by a midshipman who showed much promise, but died young before he had established his reputation as a Royal Navy officer
23 May 2016
Diplomatic navigation: The development of marine radar in Spain
Francisco Saez de Adana, who recently completed a research internship at the Museum, has been looking into the post-war politics surrounding Spain’s attempts to acquire marine radar. 
07 Jan 2016
Conservator's blog: conserving Gastaldi’s map of Africa
Our Paper Conservator, Rosie-Faye Hart, has been busy conserving a map of Africa that's over 450 years old.
What is longitude?
Find out what longitude is and what makes it so hard to measure
Longitude found - the story of Harrison's Clocks
Who was John Harrison, and how did his clocks help to solve the problem of finding longitude at sea?
Ursa Minor (Little Bear) and Polaris
Polaris is the brightest star in the Ursa Minor constellation, and for centuries was used by sailors for navigating at sea.