This map of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) or Ptolemaic Taprobana is the islands earliest cartographic image in print. It appears as if the map may be portrayed with south to the top as what appears to be the bay of Trincomalee is on the left side. Whichever way you orientate the map the positioning of the Indian mainland seems incorrect. It is surrounded by numerous fictitious islands.

Martin Waldseemuller was the geographer behind one of the early schools to study cartography, that at St. Die. He was the author of the wall map of 1507 which named America for the first time. In that same year it is believed he completed the maps for an edition of Ptolemy’s ‘Geography’. It was not until 1513 though that it was published. The printer was Joannes Schott. Karrow, R.W. (16 c.) 80/31; Nordenskiold 205; Pastoureau Ptolemee A; Shirley BL T.Ptol-6a.