Why all world maps are wrong

Vox
5 HN recommenders · recommended in 5 months, 2016–2024
YouTube
23.8M views · 9 years ago · explainer · evergreen

A Vox explainer on why no flat world map can be accurate. It shows the trade-offs between map projections, such as distorting size, shape or distance.

HN recommends it as a quick, clear introduction to map projections that resonates well with students.

“I remember this one from Vox [1] in particular resonating with the students.”
Maps & cartography
#mapprojections#mercator#cartography#distortion#vox

5 comments from Hacker News

t
@thunderbong2024 · in “Why all world maps are wrong [video]”
Submitted the video to Hacker News.
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@heymijo2020 · in “The True Size Of Countries: Mercator projection”
I taught this in 6th grade social studies in Ohio (a state in the USA) two years ago. A reasonable interpretation of the standards should see this being taught in all 6th grade social studies classes across Ohio. SPATIAL THINKING AND SKILLS Content Statements: 3. Geographic tools can be used to gather, process and report information about people, places and environments. Cartographers decide which information to include and how it is displayed[0] There were a number of videos explaining this concept. I remember this one from Vox [1] in particular resonating with the students. So while we might have been short changed (I grew up in Ohio), the curriculum is improving. [0] link [1] ▶ this video
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v
@vinayan32018 · in “Google Maps is no longer a flat map”
There is a really good short youtube video about map projections and to understand the tradeoffs that are made to create them. ▶ this video
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D
@DoreenMichele2018 · in “Why all world maps are wrong [VID]”
Submitted the video to Hacker News.
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@seycombi2016 · in “Why all flat world maps are wrong”
Submitted the video to Hacker News.
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