Photo: TRANSIT: a GIS toolbox for estimating the duration of ancient sail-powered navigation.
Dr Gian Marco Alberti, Senior Lecturer at the University of Malta's Department of Criminology, has made a groundbreaking contribution to maritime research with his 2018 model for estimating the duration of ancient sail-powered navigation. The model, first described in his peer-reviewed article , introduced computational strategies for enabling researchers to estimate travel durations with a high degree of historical accuracy (see attached figures, which are after the mentioned article).
Alberti model's accessibility and practicality has proven particularly beneficial for expanding its applications, as demonstrated by the work of Lucy Roberts and her team at the University of Oregon. Building upon Alberti's innovative approach, Lucy Roberts and her team have extended the model's applicability to a global scale. They have written on the subject and delivered at the annual meeting of the North American Cartographic ¸£ÀûÔÚÏßÃâ·Ñ Society.
By incorporating global data, accounting for both ancient and modern maritime technologies, and updating the comprehensive geospatial analyses involved, they have extended the model's relevance. These enhancements underscore the enduring significance of Alberti's work, as his model not only bridges the past and present in maritime research but also sets the stage for future innovations in understanding global maritime transit.
In conclusion, Alberti's model for estimating the duration of ancient sail-powered navigation has proven to be a pivotal contribution to maritime research. Its robust foundation, historical and geospatial accuracy, and adaptability for modern applications have provided the essential building blocks for further modelling strategies, making it a groundbreaking development in the field.
