Final answer:
No, earlier mapmaking techniques utilized by explorers were not as accurate as today's methods. Historical maps often included distortions and inaccuracies influenced by cultural perspectives, and the precision of modern GPS technology was unattainable in the past.
Step-by-step explanation:
The early mapmaking techniques used by explorers were less accurate than the methods used today. During historical periods like the Age of Exploration, maps were often made from the perspective of the mapmaker, which led to distortions and inaccuracies, reflecting political and cultural biases. For instance, early European maps frequently showed Europe as disproportionately large and other regions, such as those in the Global South, as smaller than they actually are.
Methods of determining longitude and latitude have dramatically improved since the days of navigational pioneers like Columbus and Magellan. While the ancient method of using the noontime Sun or instruments like the cross-staff provided some guidance, the modern use of GPS and satellite technology offers precision that was simply impossible in earlier times.
Additionally, cartography has advanced through the integration of scientific knowledge and technology, leading to a more accurate representation of geographical locations and topography in contemporary maps.