What advances in technology paved the way for European exploration?

There were a number of medieval advances that enabled voyages of exploration. These included the following; The stern mounted rudder. The use of the ancient lateen sail or jib with the stern mounted rudder to make it possible to sail against the wind. Several different kinds of compasses. The mariner's astrolabe. Portolan maps, which were far more accurate (Interestingly, the technology used to produce the portolan maps has since been lost. It took until the 18th century to come up with different and better technology). There were also a number of events; opening of the trade routes to China during the period of Mongolian peace, which led to an increase in interest in Chinese goods. Collapse of the Mongolian Empire, blocking land access to China. Rise of the Ottoman Empire, which blocked access to the Middle East and Indian goods. Understanding by navigators that the world was round and Africa could be circumnavigated, leading to voyagers both to the south, promoted by Henry the Navigator, and to the west, under Columbus.