29
There's a growing campaign to replace the use of the Mercator map by governments and international bodies with one that more accurately reflects countries' true sizes. (futurology.today)
submitted 1 year ago by to c/futurology@futurology.today
8 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

Africa is the big loser in the current system, as the Mercator map makes it look far smaller than it really is. Europe and Russia would look far smaller (their true size) in a corrected map. Brazil is also a beneficiary with a corrected map; it looks far bigger in reality than the Mercator map represents it.

The campaign seems to be going places. The World Bank says it is phasing out the use of the Mercator map, and various UN bodies are looking at doing the same.

African Union joins calls to end use of Mercator map that shrinks continent’s size

all 8 comments

sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] 7 points 1 year ago

I remember this episode of The West Wing.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
    •
    [–] 4 points 1 year ago

    The question isnt wether the mercator map is in need for replacement. Its about what alternative map to use instead that we can all agree on.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
    •
    [–] 3 points 1 year ago

    I'm ok with this as long as we can continue to leave New Zealand off any replacement.

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
    •
    [–] 2 points 1 year ago (4 children)

    Why not just use photos of globes?

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • hideshow 4 child comments
    •
  • [–] 2 points 1 year ago (2 children)

    I think that helps somewhat, but it still distorts the poles, just with an added hint of depth

  • permalink
  • fedilink
  • source
  • parent
  • hideshow 2 child comments
    •