Nautical Term: Development
Definition of Development
Development is the technique of reproducing the same lines and shapes on a flat surface that have been drawn on a curved surface. The result of development is the same as if the curved surface from which the shapes were taken were a flexible sheet that could be spread out flat without change of area or distortion.
For example, a sailor might use development to create a chart of a harbor based on a survey of the curved shoreline. By using development to reproduce the same shapes and lines on a flat chart, the sailor can more easily navigate the harbor and plan safe passages for their vessel.
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