This map appeared in the 1511 Ptolemy Atlas published in Venice. It presents the known world with a heart-shaped, or cordiform, projection and is the first world map to be printed in two colors: red and black.

Only the northern portion of the South American continent is shown; it bears the name Terrae Sanctae Crucis (Land of the Holy Cross). Cuba and Hispanola are named.

Just a few degrees west of Ireland, the map inappropriately shows the island Terra laboratorus, Portuguese for "land of the laborer." This is presumed to be Newfoundland. Further west is Regalis domus with an ill-defined west coast.

Sylvanus' map is considered to be the first depiction of North American continental land. The geography may depict the discoveries of the voyages of the Corte Reals for the King of Portugal at the beginning of the 16th century.

The map’s border illustrates and names the various windheads along with the names of the zodiacal signs.

-- Dr. Seymour I. Schwartz, co-author of The Mapping of America and author of The French and Indian War, This Land is Your Land and The Mismapping of America