Technology
The prevalence of exploration throughout the early modern period could be in part attributed to the numerous technological advancements made in this time. With the onset of the Scientific Revolution in the 16th century, there were massive developments in the realms of science and mathematics as intellectuals were figuring out new ways to explain the natural world. Developments, particularly in the fields of astronomy and physics, contributed to the vast improvements in the utility of navigational instruments by the end of the 18th century. Advances in optics permitted navigators to determine latitude and longitude with greater accuracy as new mechanisms were applied to navigational instruments. Sea travel also was vastly improved as ships were fitted with, for example, lateen sails and more advanced rudders, which allowed navigators greater control of their ships especially in the ocean.