A new square world map challenges colonial-era cartography by centering Africa, Asia, or the Americas, offering a more accurate view of global geography.
New square map challenges traditional worldviews
Researchers from the CNRS and the education group Nuées have created a square world map named Le Planisphère carré. This map is designed to move away from traditional maps that reflect colonial-era perspectives by allowing users to rearrange continents and place any region at the center.Map allows interactive rearrangement
The Le Planisphère carré enables users to fold, cut, and reconfigure the map to center different continents, such as Africa, Asia, or the Americas. This contrasts with the traditional Mercator projection, which centers Europe and distorts the relative sizes of other continents.Mercator projection criticized for distortion
The Mercator projection, developed in 1569, has been widely criticized for making Africa appear the same size as Greenland, even though Africa is actually 14 times larger. This distortion has been a point of contention for many years, especially in Africa.UN resolution supports more accurate maps
The African Union has long advocated for a more accurate representation of the world. In September, the United Nations adopted the "Correct the Map" resolution, urging member states to use maps that better reflect the true sizes of continents, especially Africa.Map uses 19th-century mathematical method
The square map uses a method developed in 1877 by Charles Peirce, a mathematician and philosopher. This method reduces distortions by concentrating them in the oceans rather than on land, preserving natural features like deserts, mountains, and forests.Map includes cultural and linguistic diversity
The map includes country names in their native languages and scripts, as well as 100 different ways to say "hello." It can be combined with other copies to allow for multiple configurations and perspectives, promoting a more inclusive understanding of the world.Map gains support and widespread use
The project has received support from notable geographers, organizations like Attac and the Comede, and various public figures. Around 13,000 copies are already in use by NGOs, educators, and at events like the World Social Forum in Cotonou, Benin.Map aims to promote critical thinking
The Le Planisphère carré is intended to challenge dominant cartographic representations and encourage people to think critically about how the world is portrayed in maps.
