1. A medieval or Renaissance nautical chart or pilot book showing coastlines, ports, and sailing routes, typically decorated with compass roses and rhumb lines.
Usage: historical; nautical; also called portolan chart or portolano

Examples

• The captain consulted a portolan to navigate the Mediterranean safely.
• Medieval merchants relied on portolands to identify trading ports and safe harbors.
• The museum's collection includes a beautifully preserved portolan from the 14th century.
• Portolands were essential tools for maritime commerce before modern navigation instruments.
• The portolan showed detailed coastlines and compass directions for experienced sailors.