The Renaissance The tools that were developed in the Middle Ages continued to be used and improved upon in the Renaissance. The tools that were made for exploration were very useful in this time of mapping the world. One of these devices was the astrolabe, which used the son and stars, measuring their distance above the horizon it helped determine latitude. There was another tool also used which was the magnetic compass. It was invented in the twelfth century and was enhanced in the Renaissance. The maps in this time also became more reliable as the cartographers,map makers, used the information provided by the explorers of the time. Also the shipbuilding improved during this time period. These ships were called galleons and the were powered