Gerhard Mercator
Flemish geographer, cosmographer and cartographer (1512–1594)
1512 — 1594
Quick Facts
Profession
Flemish geographer, cosmographer and cartographer (1512–1594)
Born
March 15, 1512
Died
1594 (age ~82)
Name Origin
German
Timeline
writer, mathematician, inventor
Habsburg NetherlandsBorn in RupelmondeDied in Duisburg
1512
Born in Rupelmonde (1512-03-15)
1527
EducationStudied at Brethren of the Common Life (1527–1530)
1530
EducationStudied at Old University of Leuven (1530–1532)
1564
Positioncosmographer
1594
Died in Duisburg
About
Gerardus Mercator was a Flemish geographer, cosmographer and cartographer. He is most renowned for creating the 1569 world map based on a new projection which represented sailing courses of constant bearing as straight lines—an innovation that is still employed in nautical charts.
Read more on Wikipedia →Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gerhard Mercator?+
Gerardus Mercator was a Flemish geographer, cosmographer and cartographer. He is most renowned for creating the 1569 world map based on a new projection which represented sailing courses of constant bearing as straight lines—an innovation that is still employed in nautical charts.
What does the name Gerhard mean?+
The name Gerhard means "a male given name, equivalent to English Gerard; diminutive form Gert". It is of German origin.
When was Gerhard Mercator born?+
Gerhard Mercator was born on March 15, 1512.
When did Gerhard Mercator die?+
Gerhard Mercator died in 1594, at approximately 82 years of age.
Name Meaning
a male given name, equivalent to English Gerard; diminutive form Gert
The name Gerhard is of German origin, meaning "a male given name, equivalent to English Gerard; diminutive form Gert". It is traditionally a male name.
Other famous people named Gerhard
Gerhard Schröder
Chancellor of West Germany (1998–2005)
Gerhard Domagk
German bacteriologist (1895-1964)
Gerhard Ertl
German physicist
Gerhard Herzberg
German-Canadian physicist and physical chemist (1904-1999)
Gerhard Richter
German visual artist (b. 1932)
Gerhard Berger
Austrian former Formula One racing driver
Gerhard — March 15, 1512
Zodiac & Calendar Signs
Western Zodiac
Pisces
Intuitive, compassionate, artistic
Water · Neptune · Feb 19 – Mar 20
Chinese Zodiac
Monkey
Sharp, smart, curious
Water · Yang
Mayan Tzolkin
11 Caban
Earth — evolution, navigation, sync
Celtic Tree
Ash
Intuitive, artistic, imaginative
Ogham: Nion · Feb 18 – Mar 17
Birthstone: Aquamarine — Courage, serenity
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