Categories: Education & Reference

A New More Accurate Map

We all know the ‘Mercator’ map.   It’s used world wide.   We can probably visualise it in our minds, because it is seen every where.  That the map of the Earth.  Right?   That’s what the Earth looks like, Right?

Wrong.

The Mercator Map is not accurate and never was.

The way it was created tended to make the top and bottom continents seem bigger than those in the middle.  Now a  new map called the Gall-Peters projection  is being used.  It displays countries according to their actual size.

Mercator shrinks Africa and South America, making Europe and North America appear much larger than they really are.  This might be a colonial mentality on the part of the map maker which no longer is of much value.

The move to replace the Mercator is beginning in Boston public schools where it is said they are going to “decolonise the curriculum.” Europe will no longer be the centre of the world.

The Mercator map was created in 1569 by cartographer Gerardus Mercator and quickly became the standard.  No one questioned it for hundreds of years.

However, considering the views from space the fact it is inaccurate and offers a Eurocentric portrayal of the world’s landmasses has brought it into question.

If you look at the Mercator map you’ll see that Greenland is larger than Africa despite being 14 times smaller and  Alaska  seems larger than Mexico, although it is much smaller and can fit inside of it.

Europe is always in the middle of the map on the Mercator projection, making North America and Europe larger than South America and Africa.

This is inaccurate and ought not be used as the standard.

The Gall-Peters projection map was created in 1974 by Arno Peters, using a projection made by cartographer James Gall.   It removes the distortions of the Mercator projection and more accurately portrays the world.

The image featured here is of that Gall-Peters Map




  • kaylar

    Recent Posts

    Heart Attack Causes and its Solution

    What is the Main Cause of a Heart Attack? What is its Solution? A heart attack is the blockage of… Read More

    11 months ago

    Understanding the Debt Ceiling: Its Impact, Importance, and Implications

    In the vast economic arena, one term that often takes center stage, inciting extensive debates and discussions, is the "debt… Read More

    1 year ago

    De-Dollarization: The New World Order of Currency and Its Global Impact

    De-Dollarization: The Changing Face of Global Finance The financial landscape is in a state of flux, with an intriguing economic… Read More

    1 year ago

    Unstoppable Bayern Munich: The Story Behind Their 11th Consecutive Bundesliga Title

    The curtains closed on a dramatic Bundesliga season with Bayern Munich standing tall once again, clinching their 11th straight title.… Read More

    1 year ago

    Celine Dion Cancels Concert Tour Due to Deteriorating Stiff-Person Syndrome

    The Unfolding Story of Celine Dion's Health In recent news that has left fans across the globe stunned, iconic singer… Read More

    1 year ago

    Navigating the Crossroads: LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and the LA Lakers’ Uncertain Future

    As the echoes of the recent NBA season start to fade, the attention of enthusiasts is firmly glued to one… Read More

    1 year ago