Virginia, Marylandia et Carolina in America septentrionali Brittannorum industria excultæ

In the 17th century, maps took a huge leap forward. Mathematical and astronomical knowledge necessary to make accurate measurements had evolved. English mathematicians had perfected triangulation: navigation and surveying by right-angled triangles. Triangulation allowed navigators to set accurate courses and produced accurate land surveys. Seamen learned to correct their compasses for declination and had determined the existence of annual compass variation. Latitude determination was greatly improved with the John Davis quadrant. The measurement of distance sailed at sea was improved by another English invention, the common log. Longitudinal distance between Europe and Québec was determined by solar and lunar eclipses by the Jesuit Bressani in the 1640s and by Jean Deshayes in 1686. With accurate surveys in Europe, the grid of the modern map began to take shape.

Johann Baptist Homann (1664-1724) was a German cartographer and publisher who is considered one of the most important mapmakers of the 18th century. He founded his own publishing house in 1702 and began producing maps and atlases that were highly accurate and beautifully illustrated. Homann's maps were used by explorers, merchants and military commanders, and in 1715 he became the official cartographer of the Holy Roman Emperor. His work helped shape the way Europeans saw the world, and his maps are still highly prized by collectors today.