During their expeditions, early explorers used various geographic features depending on their specific goals and destinations. However, one of the most commonly used geographic features by early explorers was the coastline or ocean. Explorers such as Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan, and James Cook relied on the coastline and oceans to navigate their ships and determine their positions. They used celestial navigation, compasses, and maps to chart their routes, but the vast expanse of the ocean and the presence of coastlines acted as crucial reference points for them. Additionally, rivers and waterways were also significant for early explorers, as they provided access to the interior regions of continents and acted as natural transportation routes.
