318
African Union joins calls to end use of Mercator map that shrinks continent’s size
(www.theguardian.com)
I really like the Dymaxion projection.
this post was submitted on 15 Aug 2025
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Reminds me of the West Wing episode with the Petersen (?) projection map. Although I seem to remember that map format was under copyright and would have required a fee for every use. An intended consequence?
Ok come up with something that's better and just as practical.
They did. They are specifically advocating for the Equal Earth projection.
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(2 replies)
Beat me to it. Except it's more like 25 years. Now get off my lawn.
Such a beautiful scene.
"But you can't do that!"
"Why not?"
"Because you're freaking me out!"
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(3 replies)
Like completely, or just as a default?
It's uniquely the best option if you like using compass bearings.
Which, at a global scale, is important in your life when exactly? The only time I move at a global scale I'm flying, and then the projection makes it look like my pilot doesn't know how to fly in a straight line.
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(1 replies)
Or just want a map that you can cut a small piece (up to a square 10° of longitude) from and have it just work (no skewing or non-proportional scaling required) although non-interactive world maps should use Robinson, Winkel-Tripel or something.
Of course, "a square 10° of latitude", while the same size on the full map, will cover different areas. The side length is approximately:
- 1110 km near the equator (0°)
- 960 km in North/South Africa or Florida (30°)
- 790 km in NYC, Venice or south NZ (45°)
- 558 km in Oslo, Anchorage or northernmost Antarctic islands (60°)
- 289 km in central Greenland, northernmost peninsula of Russia or Canada or southernmost sea (75°)
- at higher latitudes, approx. 𝑥 km when 6𝑥 km from the pole
If you're at the Amundsen-Scott research station, a square 10° of latitude won't do, as it covers just about your bed.
I think equal area maps make a lot of sense, but the one I’ve seen promoted in the past as “fair” is the Peters Projection which is quite frankly trash.
It was designed to preserve angles at the equator, and as a consequence all the shapes at higher latitudes are badly squished in the vertical.
If there has to be distortion to preserve areas, it should squish in both dimensions and try to optimize shapes around the middle latitudes.
That's why I use the dymaxian projection
Gall-Peters 4EVA!
Looking at the correct map makes it clear that our Risk Continent Troop values need updated now.
16th century? Huh I would have expected a far more accurate version would have been made and accepted long ago.
Especially since during all the centuries since then accurate navigation was needed, even around Afrika, and not make journeys last far longer by keeping an incorrect map.
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(6 replies)
I personally think that Eckert IV is a little more visually pleasing while otherwise achieving all the same benefits as Equal Earth, but both are good
I always that that countries made their own maps and always centered themselves on it.