1558?-1615

English mathematician who improved on the cartographic system devised by Gerhard Mercator (1512-1594), and thus ensured the widespread acceptance of the Mercator projection. In 1599, Wright published The Correction of Certaine Errors in Navigation, which he revised as Certaine Errors in Navigation, Detected and Corrected (1610). These books offered modifications on Mercator, as well as mathematical tables and practical information for mariners plotting straight-line courses on Mercator-projection maps. The British Navy adopted Wright's system, which enabled it to gain an advantage over other navies.