The most accurate response comparing the development of maritime empires with 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 and Portugal, centered their efforts on establishing control over key maritime trade routes and exploiting trade opportunities rather than expanding into large land territories. In contrast, land-based empires often aimed at territorial expansion and territorial governance. This distinction highlights the different strategies and focuses of both types of empires during this period.