United Nations Adopts Equal Earth Projection to Correct Centuries of Western Cartographic Bias
Quick Brief
The United Nations has adopted the Equal Earth map projection, offering a corrective alternative to the centuries-old Mercator display. Created by three cartographers, the new projection addresses long-standing criticisms that northern hemisphere landmasses appear disproportionately large. Despite a few complaints from diplomats, the map has achieved near-universal adoption.
What Happened?
Three cartographers developed the Equal Earth projection to provide an alternative to the dominant 16th-century Mercator display, which critics note exaggerates the size of northern hemisphere nations compared to Africa and Europe. Last week, the United Nations adopted the projection with near-universal backing, though the creators have encountered minor complaints from a small number of disgruntled diplomats.
Why It Matters
The traditional Mercator map has long been criticized for subtly reinforcing perceptions of global strength by making northern hemisphere nations appear larger than they actually are. By presenting a more geographically accurate representation of land sizes, the Equal Earth projection addresses historical western bias in cartography.
Key Facts
- The United Nations adopted the Equal Earth projection last week.
- The map was created by three cartographers as an alternative to the 16th-century Mercator display.
- The Equal Earth projection accurately depicts the comparative sizes of Africa and Europe.
- Critics have long argued that the Mercator display exaggerates the size of northern hemisphere nations, reinforcing perceptions of global strength.
- The creators have received a few complaints from disgruntled diplomats following the adoption.
Compiled from 1 outlet
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