Longitude Act

The Longitude Act of 1714 was a British law aimed at solving the problem of determining a ship's exact longitudinal position at sea, which was crucial for safe navigation. It offered substantial monetary rewards to anyone who could develop an accurate method for measuring longitude. The act spurred innovations, leading to the creation of precise marine chronometers, most famously by John Harrison. This advancement greatly improved navigation safety and efficiency, enabling more reliable maritime trade and exploration, ultimately shaping the modern global economy and maritime practices.