<P> The wall map consists of twelve sections printed from woodcuts measuring 18 by 24.5 inches (46 cm × 62 cm). Each section is one of four horizontally and three vertically, when assembled . The map uses a modified Ptolemaic map projection with curved meridians to depict the entire surface of the Earth . In the upper - mid part of the main map there is inset another, miniature world map representing to some extent an alternative view of the world . </P> <P> Longitudes, which were difficult to determine at the time, are given in terms of degrees east from the Fortunate Islands (considered by Claudius Ptolemy as the westernmost known land) which Waldseemüller locates at the Canary Islands . The longitudes of eastern Asian places are too great . Latitudes, which were easy to determine, are also quite far off . For example, "Serraleona" (Sierra Leone, true latitude about 9 ° N) is placed south of the equator, and the Cape of Good Hope (true latitude 35 ° S) is placed at 50 ° S . </P> <P> The full title of the map is Universalis cosmographia secundum Ptholomaei traditionem et Americi Vespucii aliorumque lustrationes (The Universal Cosmography according to the Tradition of Ptolemy and the Discoveries of Amerigo Vespucci and others). One of the "others" was Christopher Columbus . The title signalled his intention to combine or harmonize in a unified cosmographic depiction the traditional Ptolemaic geography of Europe, Asia and Africa with the new geographical information provided by Amerigo Vespucci and his fellow discoverers of lands in the western hemisphere . He explained: "In designing the sheets of our world - map we have not followed Ptolemy in every respect, particularly as regards the new lands...We have therefore followed, on the flat map, Ptolemy, except for the new lands and some other things, but on the solid globe, which accompanies the flat map, the description of Amerigo that is appended hereto ." </P> <P> Several earlier maps are believed to be sources, chiefly those based on the Geography (Ptolemy) and the Caveri planisphere and others similar to those of Henricus Martellus or Martin Behaim . The Caribbean and what appears to be Florida were depicted on two earlier charts, the Cantino map, smuggled from Portugal to Italy in 1502 showing details known in 1500, and the Caverio map, drawn circa 1503--1504 and showing the Gulf of Mexico . </P>

Who made the first map of north america