The new developments helping European navigation in the fifteenth century were as follows:

1. The magnetic compass had been invented in 1380. It could help identify the cardinal points accurately.

2. Many improvements had been made in European sailing ships. Larger ships were built. These ships could carry a huge quantity of cargo as well as equipments to defend themselves if attacked by enemy ships.

3. Travel literature and books on cosmography and geography were available. These books and literature created widespread interest. This gave Europeans some knowledge of the world.