Have you ever wondered why Greenland appears to be as large as Africa on traditional world maps? This is because most maps use the Mercator projection, which distorts the sizes of land masses as they get closer to the poles. But in 2023, a new world map with real size was unveiled, and it's changing the way we view our planet.
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Table of Contents
Have you ever wondered why Greenland appears to be as large as Africa on traditional world maps? This is because most maps use the Mercator projection, which distorts the sizes of land masses as they get closer to the poles. But in 2023, a new world map with real size was unveiled, and it's changing the way we view our planet.
The Problem with Traditional World Maps
The Mercator projection was created in the 16th century for nautical navigation, but it became the standard map used in schools and textbooks. The problem with this projection is that it exaggerates the size of countries in higher latitudes, while downplaying the size of countries in lower latitudes. For example, Greenland appears to be the same size as Africa, when in reality Africa is 14 times larger.
What is the World Map with Real Size?
The world map with real size, also known as the AuthaGraph map, was created by Hajime Narukawa in 2016. This map uses a new projection that accurately shows the relative sizes of countries and continents, while maintaining their shapes as much as possible. The result is a map that looks quite different from traditional maps, but is much more accurate in representing the true size of land masses.
Why is the World Map with Real Size Important?
The world map with real size is important because it helps us to understand the true size and distribution of the Earth's land masses. It also helps to address issues of inequality and representation, as countries in the southern hemisphere are often underrepresented on traditional maps.
How was the World Map with Real Size Created?
The world map with real size was created using a complex mathematical formula that takes into account the curvature of the Earth's surface. The map is made up of 96 triangles that are arranged in a tetrahedron shape, which is then unfolded to create a flat map.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the most notable difference between the world map with real size and traditional maps?
A: The most notable difference is the size of countries in higher latitudes, which are much smaller on the real size map.
Q: How does the world map with real size address issues of inequality?
A: Countries in the southern hemisphere are often underrepresented on traditional maps, but the real size map accurately represents their true size and distribution.
The Future of Mapping
The world map with real size is just one example of how technology is changing the way we view our planet. As we continue to develop new tools and techniques for mapping, we can expect to gain even more accurate and comprehensive insights into the Earth's geography and ecosystems.
Conclusion
The world map with real size is an exciting development in the field of cartography, and it's changing the way we think about our planet. By providing a more accurate representation of the Earth's land masses, this map is helping us to address issues of inequality and representation, and to gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity and complexity of our world.
