Gordieiev A. Portolans: the theory and a method of historical-cartographical research

The dissertation on competition of a scientific degree of the doctor of geographical sciences on a speciality 11.00.12 - geographical cartography. - Kiev national university of name Tarasa Shevchenka, Kiev, 2010. Work of dissertation is devoted to a substantiation of the theory and a technique of historical-cartographical research of portolans - sea navigation charts by XІII-XVIIІ cc. Analyse of feature of their maintenance, is specified their role in development cartography, and also their opportunities as cartographical sources. It is shown, that conditions of occurrence and distribution of chart-portolans in region of the Mediterranean in end XІІІ c. are caused, first of all, by strengthening of political movement, development of trade, an exchange of cultural values, accumulation of navigating experience. The approach to classification of chart-portolans as specific products is offered, their influence on development of cartography is analysed. Definition of cartographical schools concerning chart-portolans is formulated, allocated 10 basic such schools. The concept of identification attributes is certain, i.e. specific features which distinguish portolans from other maps and which promoted the further development of cartography. On the basis of the offered methodological principles and in view of specificity portolans, the choice of technologies of cataloguing of medieval sea charts with the purpose of carrying out of scientific researches, and also their further practical use is proved. It is proved, that the best is technology XML on the basis of which search-information system "Portolan" is created. Opportunities of use of chart-portolans in historical-geographical researches are shown and is proved a corresponding technique results concerning studying toponymics, and also dynamics conditions of concrete natural objects, in particular, are resulted. Keywords: chart-portolans, compass roses, identification attributes, manual for navigation, classification system of charts, cartographical schools, information sources, cataloguing of charts, search-information system, historical-geographical researches