LDV Dog and Eagle Sketch (part 1)

 Leonardo Da Vinci’s Dog and Eagle drawing c1508-10 (part 1)

This illustration is described as his, ‘most highly finished chalk drawing, though it’s purpose is unknown and the allegorical subject has received many different interpretations’.

Now, I’ve looked at this image a number of times and here are some initial questions. 

• Why is there a dog navigating a boat without oars?
• The circular dial in the boat – it looks like a burralo ariel angle device
• Where is this coastline?
• What sort of tree is this?
• Who / what runs the world that the eagle stands on?

I have superimposed a piece yellow brolly fabric on the sail section below.  Interestingly, on the original drawing, the upper section of the sail is almost transparent (showing part of the tree).