Why was the development of the printing press important to the age of exploration

The Age of Exploration, also known as the Age of Discovery was a period during the late 15th century where there was an increase in the amount of overseas travel and exploration, thus the name. This was helped by the development of the printing press because the invention helped the mass production of printed products such as books, maps and other tools that explorers could use, or help distribute in order to influence and share the knowledge of their travels among the world. 

An example of this is if one explorer mapped a small region of a previously unknown area, and then mass produced it on the printing press, then other explorers would be able to use those maps to help them on their endeavors, and so on and so on.

Hope this is helpful.