Juan de Pineda was a Spanish explorer and cartographer known for mapping the Gulf Coast of North America in the early 16th century. In 1519, he became the first European to create a detailed map of the coastline from present-day Florida to Mexico. His work provided valuable information for future explorers and settlers. Pineda's expeditions were part of Spain's efforts to explore and claim new territories in the Americas. He is often associated with other notable figures of the time, such as Hernán Cortés and Cabeza de Vaca, who also played significant roles in the exploration of the New World.