Core Viewpoint - The interview with Professor Wang Qianjin highlights the significance of the "Zheng He Navigation Map" as the earliest and most complete maritime map in China, emphasizing its historical and navigational importance during Zheng He's voyages to foreign lands [2][3]. Group 1: Overview of the Zheng He Navigation Map - The "Zheng He Navigation Map" is recognized as the earliest and most complete maritime map in China, originally titled "Map from the Treasure Ship Yard to Foreign Countries" [3][7]. - The map showcases a wide geographical range, illustrating the journey from the shipbuilding location to various foreign nations, including Africa, which is considered comprehensive for historical Chinese maritime navigation [7][9]. - The map employs both "geographical navigation" and "physical navigation," indicating the use of landforms and compass directions for navigation, with detailed annotations on routes and distances [9][10]. Group 2: Historical Context and Compilation - The map is believed to have been created after Zheng He's sixth voyage, synthesizing information from all his expeditions, which occurred between 1405 and 1430 [13][14]. - Historical records from individuals who accompanied Zheng He, such as Ma Huan and Fei Xin, provide insights into the routes and geographical names depicted in the map, confirming its basis on actual voyages [14][15]. - The map reflects a culmination of navigational knowledge and practices from previous maritime experiences, indicating a sophisticated understanding of navigation techniques at the time [21][23]. Group 3: Navigational Techniques - The map incorporates various navigational methods, including water color, tidal patterns, and celestial navigation, demonstrating the advanced maritime knowledge of the era [25][29]. - The use of "star maps" for celestial navigation is highlighted, with the map containing four star charts that guide navigators based on the positions of stars, indicating a blend of indigenous and possibly foreign navigational techniques [30][32]. - The differences in navigational approaches between Chinese and Western methods are discussed, particularly regarding the representation of geographical information and the use of coordinate systems [38][40]. Group 4: Cultural and Historical Impact - Zheng He's voyages significantly expanded the understanding of the world in his time, introducing new geographical knowledge and fostering cultural exchanges [51][52]. - The influence of Zheng He's expeditions is evident in subsequent maritime literature and maps, which drew from the information and routes established during his voyages [53][55]. - The historical narrative surrounding Zheng He's voyages has evolved, reflecting both the maritime prowess of the Ming Dynasty and the complexities of international relations during that period [52][53].