The UN has adopted the Equal Earth map projection, replacing Mercator to better represent continent sizes, despite U.S. opposition.
UN adopts new map projection
The United Nations General Assembly officially adopted the Equal Earth map projection in September, replacing the widely used Mercator projection. The decision was passed with 164 votes in favor and one against, with the United States opposing it and calling the move a waste of time.Equal Earth corrects size distortions
The Equal Earth projection aims to provide a more accurate representation of the relative sizes of continents compared to the Mercator projection, which distorts areas farther from the equator. For example, Greenland appears similar in size to Africa on the Mercator map, but in reality, Africa is 14 times larger.New projection has its own flaws
While the Equal Earth projection corrects some distortions, it also introduces others, particularly in areas far from the equator. For instance, Alaska is flattened from north to south and stretched east to west, even though its surface area is more proportional to other regions.Other projections exist with different trade-offs
Other map projections, such as the Robinson and Goode projections, are also used by cartographers. The Robinson projection, developed in 1963 by Arthur Robinson, is a compromise between accuracy and visual appeal. The Goode projection, on the other hand, divides the oceans into sections to reduce continental distortions.The Economist discusses mapmaking’s impact
The Economist, a British publication known for its liberal stance on free trade, globalization, immigration, and cultural liberalism, has covered the shift in map projections in a visual article. The article discusses the historical and political implications of mapmaking, including the influence of power and the potential for reshaping global perceptions.
