How The World Map Really Looks

Do you know how inaccurate the world map we grew up with really is? The popular Mercator projection distorts the size and shape of countries and continents, making some appear much larger than they actually are and others much smaller. This flawed representation has far-reaching consequences, from reinforcing colonialist attitudes to affecting travel decisions. In this article, we’ll explore how the world map really looks and its impact on travel and culture.

Pain Points

Many people are unaware of how the world map they know and love is problematic. The Mercator projection was created in the 16th century for nautical purposes, and its distortions were initially not a concern. However, as the map became more widely used, it perpetuated Eurocentric perspectives and distorted the global south. This has contributed to a skewed understanding of the world and its people, and in turn, affected the way we travel and interact with other cultures.

Tourist Attractions

Despite these challenges, there are still incredible destinations to explore around the world. By understanding the true size and shape of countries, travelers can make more informed decisions about where to go and what to expect. For example, many people are surprised to learn that Africa is much larger than they thought, and that there is much more to see and do on the continent than just safaris. Similarly, countries in Latin America, Asia, and the Pacific are often overlooked in favor of more well-known destinations, but they offer rich cultural experiences and natural wonders.

Summary

In summary, the world map we grew up with is deeply flawed and perpetuates harmful stereotypes and biases. However, by learning about the true size and shape of countries, we can make more informed decisions about travel and broaden our perspectives. In the following sections, we’ll dive deeper into the implications of the Mercator projection and explore some of the amazing places around the world that are often overlooked by travelers.

The Problem with the Mercator Projection

The Mercator projection is problematic for several reasons. First, it distorts the size and shape of countries, making them appear larger or smaller than they actually are. This has led to a skewed understanding of geography and contributed to Eurocentric attitudes. For example, Greenland appears to be roughly the same size as Africa on the Mercator projection, when in reality Africa is 14 times larger. This reinforces the idea that Europe and North America are more important than other parts of the world, perpetuating colonialist attitudes.

The Impact on Travel

The Mercator projection also affects travel decisions. Many people are more likely to visit countries that appear larger on the map, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia. This means that countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia are often overlooked, despite their rich cultural and natural offerings. In addition, the Mercator projection can create unrealistic expectations about the size and scope of attractions. For example, visitors to Egypt may be surprised to find that the pyramids are much smaller than they appeared on the map.

Rethinking Travel

Despite these challenges, there are many amazing destinations around the world that are often overlooked by travelers. By rethinking our approach to travel and considering the true size and shape of countries, we can broaden our perspectives and have more meaningful experiences. For example, instead of just visiting popular destinations in Europe, travelers can explore the diverse cultures and landscapes of Africa or Asia. By seeking out lesser-known destinations, we can support local communities and learn more about the world around us.

Changing the Map

One way to address the problems with the Mercator projection is to use alternative maps that provide a more accurate representation of the world. For example, the Gall-Peters projection shows countries at their true size but distorts their shape. The AuthaGraph projection, which won a design award in 2016, creates a 3D representation of the world that accurately reflects the size and shape of continents. By using these maps and promoting a more accurate understanding of geography, we can challenge harmful stereotypes and biases.

Question and Answer

Q: Why is the Mercator projection so popular?

A: The Mercator projection was created in the 16th century for nautical purposes, and its usefulness for navigation made it popular among mapmakers. Its distortions were initially not a concern, but as the map became more widely used, it perpetuated Eurocentric perspectives.

Q: What are some of the consequences of the Mercator projection?

A: The Mercator projection distorts the size and shape of countries, making some appear much larger than they actually are and others much smaller. This has contributed to a skewed understanding of the world and its people, and in turn, affected the way we travel and interact with other cultures.

Q: What are some of the benefits of using alternative maps?

A: Alternative maps, such as the Gall-Peters projection and AuthaGraph projection, provide a more accurate representation of the world and challenge harmful stereotypes and biases. By using these maps and promoting a more accurate understanding of geography, we can broaden our perspectives and have more meaningful experiences.

Q: How can travelers make more informed decisions about where to go?

A: By learning about the true size and shape of countries, travelers can make more informed decisions about where to go and what to expect. For example, many people are surprised to learn that Africa is much larger than they thought, and that there is much more to see and do on the continent than just safaris. Similarly, countries in Latin America, Asia, and the Pacific are often overlooked in favor of more well-known destinations, but they offer rich cultural experiences and natural wonders.

Conclusion of “How The World Map Really Looks”

The world map we grew up with is deeply flawed and perpetuates harmful stereotypes and biases. However, by learning about the true size and shape of countries, we can challenge these attitudes and broaden our perspectives. By seeking out lesser-known destinations and using alternative maps, we can have more meaningful travel experiences and support local communities. Let’s work towards a more accurate understanding of the world and its people.