Final answer:
Ancient Egyptian geographers' works were used primarily for navigation, aiding explorers and travelers with information to traverse the known world. The correct option is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
For 1,300 years, explorers were primarily guided by the works of ancient geographers for the purpose of navigation. The works of ancient Egyptian geographers, like others of their time, were used to create maps that could facilitate trade and travel, particularly in the Islamic world during the Middle Ages. Maps and geographical texts from figures such as Ptolemy of Alexandria or Eratosthenes provided valuable information on the layout of the known world, influencing seafaring and exploration.
These works of geography were essential for navigation and exploration. They incorporated systems of longitude and latitude, detailed coastlines and terrains, and were often based on a combination of observations and information from various sources, including earlier explorers and local informants. Despite their importance, one should note that these maps were not entirely objective; they were influenced by the perspectives and intents of the mapmakers themselves, sometimes facilitating conquest and colonization.
Understanding the role of these ancient figures in the history of geography helps us appreciate the evolution of cartography and its impact on world history and navigation.