Early maps often seemed to have little resemblance to the real world. What was their use? | AskHistorians Archive Observer

Early maps often seemed to have little resemblance to the real world. What was their use?

by Huwe

Maps such as these:

http://www.henry-davis.com/MAPS/EMwebpages/201.html (12th century)
http://www.henry-davis.com/MAPS/EMwebpages/201B.html (1483)

http://www.henry-davis.com/MAPS/EMimages/202A.JPG (6th century)

seem to have little resemblance to the real world. What was their purpose, as navigating by them would be fraught with danger.

pilz_753

Not to discourage any further answers, but u/

Blindkingofbohemia discussed the idea behind/purpose of premondern maps here.