Difference between the map made by Al Idrisi and French cartographer:-Map drawn by Arab geographer al-Idrisi: a. Map was made in the 12th century. b. Sri Lanka, an island is shown at the top. South India is placed at the top where we have North India. c. Places are marked in Arabic. Places like Kanauj are spelt as Qanauj.Map drawn by French cartographer:a. Map was drawn in 1720's.b. This is not the case with the map drawn by the French cartographer.c. This map is more detailed in nature and has a degree of familiarity.

A map of the Indian sub-continent, made by a famous Arab geographer -- al-Idrisi -- in 1154, shows south India in the north and Sri Lanka at the top. But another map of the same area made by a French cartographer (a person who makes maps) in 1720 is quite different from what al-Idrisi made.

The Map by Al Idrisi

Al Idrisi was a renowned Arab geographer and cartographer who created a world map called Tabula Rogeriana in 1154. This map is considered one of the most accurate and advanced maps of its time. It was commissioned by King Roger II of Sicily and was based on extensive geographical knowledge gathered from various sources.

The Map by French Cartographer

It is not clear which specific French cartographer is being referred to in this question. However, French cartographers have made significant contributions to the field of cartography throughout history. Some notable French cartographers include Jacques-Nicolas Bellin, Guillaume Delisle, and Philippe Buache. Each of these cartographers had their unique styles and approaches to mapmaking.

Differences between Al Idrisi's Map and French Cartographer's Map

While there may be differences between the map made by Al Idrisi and the maps made by French cartographers, it is important to note that these differences can vary depending on the specific maps being compared. However, here are some general differences that could exist:

1. Time Period: Al Idrisi created his map in the 12th century, while French cartographers worked in different time periods, ranging from the 17th to the 19th centuries. Therefore, there may be technological and scientific advancements reflected in the maps made by French cartographers compared to Al Idrisi's map.

2. Geographical Knowledge: Al Idrisi's map was based on extensive geographical knowledge gathered from various sources, including ancient Greek, Roman, and Arab scholars. French cartographers, on the other hand, had access to more recent explorations and discoveries made during the Age of Exploration, which could have influenced their maps.

3. Cartographic Techniques: The techniques and tools used by Al Idrisi and French cartographers may have differed due to advancements in cartography over time. Al Idrisi's map was hand-drawn and relied on manual measurement and calculations, while French cartographers may have utilized more advanced instruments, such as compasses, theodolites, and triangulation methods.

4. Map Projection and Accuracy: Al Idrisi's map was based on a circular projection called the azimuthal equidistant projection, which provided accurate distances but distorted shapes and areas. French cartographers, depending on the specific time period and map, may have used different projections, such as the Mercator projection or the Cassini projection, which offered different trade-offs between shape, area, and distance accuracy.

5. Cultural and Political Context: The maps made by Al Idrisi and French cartographers were created in different cultural and political contexts. Al Idrisi's map was commissioned by King Roger II of Sicily and was heavily influenced by Arab and Islamic cartographic traditions. French cartographers, on the other hand, worked in a European context, which could have influenced their map styles and content.

Overall, the specific differences between Al Idrisi's map and the maps made by French cartographers can vary depending on the specific maps being compared. However, considering the time period, geographical knowledge, cartographic techniques, map projections, and cultural context can help highlight potential distinctions between these maps.