Universal Chart

"The Universal Chart or 'Padrón Real' (or Padrón General) was the official, secret Spanish master map used as a model for other maps and nautical charts. The goal was to make a single master map that could be continually updated, but this often gave rise to conflicting revisions. Rules and regulations for new inclusions to the map, as well as drawing systems and astronomical observation campaigns, were issued by a 'contract house' (Casa de Contratación) between 1503-1790. Leading experts took part in improvement efforts, drawing maps with newly 'discovered' territories, which allowed governments to study their distribution and dimensions.

The Portuguese cosmographer Diego Ribero was in charge of reviewing the Universal Chart. Its full title is 'Universal chart in which all of the known world up to today is contained made by Diego Ribero cosmographer of his majesty. Year 1529, Seville. Divided into two parts according to the commission of the Catholic Kings of Spain and King Don Juan of Portugal in Tordesillas Year of 1494'. Two charts signed by him, and another two that are attributed to him, are known to exist. This is a facsimile by W Griggs, at 7:10 scale. The original is looked after at Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana (Vatican City).

The chart shows nautical instruments, a large wind rose, the geographic poles, the tropics and the equator. It has scenographic representations of the continents and flags with the geographical names of seas and islands. It also represents geographical discoveries like the North American coast, which is traced perfectly, and the South American coast, including Colombia and Peru, after discoveries made by Francisco Pizarro.

The facsimil preserved at the Museo Naval is a copy from the original which it was made by Ribero in 1529."