Which explorer is known for mapping the Texas coastline in 1520?

Alonso Alvarez de Pineda is recognized for his significant contributions to mapping the Texas coastline around 1520. He was among the first European explorers to conduct a detailed mapping of the Gulf Coast, including the area that is now Texas. His work provided valuable insights into the geography of the region, detailing its shorelines, waterways, and potential paths for exploration and settlement. This mapping was crucial during a time when European powers were vying for control and colonization of the New World, making Pineda's contributions instrumental in understanding and navigating the coastal areas of what would become Texas.

The other explorers listed made important discoveries and impacts but did not focus specifically on mapping the Texas coastline. Christopher Columbus is primarily known for his voyages to the Caribbean and parts of Central and South America, while Hernan Cortes is most famous for his conquest of the Aztec Empire in present-day Mexico. Francisco de Garay was known for his explorations in the region of the lower Mississippi and parts of Mexico but did not have the same emphasis on mapping the Texas coast as Pineda did.