The most accurate comparison regarding the development of maritime empires versus land-based empires in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries is:
The maritime empires focused on control of trade routes in the Indian Ocean rather than the control of people and land.
Maritime empires, such as those established by Spain, Portugal, the Dutch, and the British, prioritized establishing trade networks and controlling sea routes to access lucrative trade in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. This focus allowed them to engage in commerce and extract wealth without necessarily controlling vast territories. In contrast, land-based empires, such as the Ottoman Empire, the Safavid Empire, and the Mughal Empire, often emphasized territorial expansion, governance over large populations, and direct control of land and resources.