Rhumb Lines

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Lines on a navigational chart that radiate out from particular points to indicate wind directions, lines of navigation or points from a compass rose. Rhumb lines are found on many portolan charts and other nautical charts, although their actual purpose remains unclear.

Portolan map of the Mediterranean, showing the outline of the coasts and the Sea crisscrossed by lines. A compass rose is in the Sea, and some of the islands are coloured. Hand painted on vellum.