'THE LANDE OF JAVA' ON THE JEAN ROTZ MAPPA MUNDI.

Using the latitudes and longitudes explicit on the 1542 Jean Rotz 'Mappa Mundi', the projection used by Rotz was analysed. It was found to be an Equatorial Stereographic of a type probably designed by Rotz. Using this, a modern coastline was projected and then overlaid on the Mappa Mundi using a Geographical Information System. This shows that 'The Lande of Java' on this map is not offset from the location of modern Australia as is sometimes suggested. The Mappa Mundi in Jean Rotz's atlas is a good 'first approximation' of the Australian continent. The continent is located in the right place, the width of the continent is greater but is of the right order of magnitude, the gross morphology of the east coast is correct, and the southern latitudinal extent of the west coast is correct. The southeastward extension of the east coast may reflect early knowledge of New Zealand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]