Why did Europeans begin to use tools such as the astrolabe and the compass?

Europeans began to use tools like the astrolabe and the compass during the Age of Exploration to improve navigation and enhance maritime travel. These tools allowed sailors to determine their position at sea more accurately, facilitating longer voyages and the exploration of new trade routes. The astrolabe helped measure the altitude of celestial bodies, while the compass provided reliable directional guidance, significantly increasing the safety and efficiency of sea travel. This technological advancement played a crucial role in expanding European influence and trade globally.