What Is a Map Projection?
Map projections are methods of representing the three-dimensional Earth on a two-dimensional surface, like a map. Since Earth is spherical, any flat representation introduces distortions in area, shape, direction, or distance.
The Mercator Projection
The Mercator projection, created in 1569 by Gerardus Mercator, became one of the most widely used map projections. It was particularly useful for navigation because it preserves angles and direction. However, this comes at a cost: it distorts the relative size of landmasses, especially near the poles.
For example:
- Greenland appears almost the same size as Africa, but in reality, Africa is about 14 times larger.
- Europe seems larger compared to South America, yet South America is nearly twice its size.
The Mercator projection inflates areas as they move away from the equator, making countries near the poles look much larger than they are.
The True Size of Countries
To address the distortions in the Mercator projection, tools like "The True Size Of" interactive map let users drag countries around the globe to compare their real sizes. This helps uncover surprising truths:
- Russia shrinks significantly when moved closer to the equator.
- Australia appears much larger than Greenland when adjusted for accurate size.
- Brazil is far larger than most of Europe.
These comparisons are not just about geography; they influence how people perceive the world. The Mercator projection often gives undue prominence to countries in the northern hemisphere, particularly Europe and North America.
Why Mercator Is Still Popular
Despite its distortions, the Mercator projection remains common in web mapping platforms like Google Maps. This is because:
- Navigation: It accurately represents straight-line directions.
- Familiarity: Many people are used to seeing the world in this format.
- Practicality: For small areas like cities, distortions are negligible.
Alternatives to Mercator
There are other projections designed to reduce distortion in certain aspects:
- Peters Projection: Equal-area projection that shows countries at their true size relative to each other. However, it distorts shapes.
- Robinson Projection: A compromise projection that balances size and shape but sacrifices precise metrics.
- Goode’s Homolosine Projection: Preserves area but breaks the map into lobes, making it less intuitive for navigation.
Each projection has trade-offs, and the choice depends on the map's purpose.
Why This Matters
The way maps are presented influences perception. The Mercator projection can skew our understanding of the world's geography, emphasizing certain regions while downplaying others. This affects everything from geopolitics to education.
For example:
- The prominence of Europe and North America in the Mercator map reinforces historical colonial narratives.
- Countries in Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia often appear smaller, which can perpetuate misconceptions about their significance.
Understanding the strengths and limitations of different map projections helps create a more accurate and fair representation of the world.
Mapping the Future
Modern GIS tools, like Atlas, allow users to choose projections that suit their needs. These platforms empower users to create maps that emphasize accuracy, collaboration, and interactivity, addressing the limitations of traditional static maps are more than just representations of geography; they shape our worldview. Choosing the right projection is not just a technical decision but a step toward a more balanced understanding of the planet.
