Dutch Calvinist theologian and minister, highly active in the Reformed Church, Pieter Platevoet (Plancius) is better known for his geographical, astronomical, and nautical expertise. Promoter of the first Dutch expeditions to the East and the New World, his name is linked to ventures such as the voyages of Houtman (1570-1627) and Le Maire (2nd half 16th C. - c. 1616), for which he also appears to have prepared sea charts.