Martín Cortés de Albacar

Martín Cortés de Albacar (1510–1582) was a Spanish cosmographer. In 1551 he published the standard navigational textbook Arte de navegar (also known as Breve compendio). A decade later (1561), Arte de navegar became the earliest known English navigation manual up to date with all of the strategies used at the time.

Cortés was born in Bujaraloz, province of Zaragoza, Aragon. He was raised by a family of sailors and navigators. His up bringing of exposure to seafaring was likely a reason for his interest and successes in his career. Starting in 1530, he taught cosmography and the art of navigation to pilots in the city of Cádiz. Cortes also worked alongside the Spanish Navy sharing his knowledge by teaching navy ship captains. While it is not known if he was ever in combat, his works were of great influence in the wars fought during and after his death.