DISCUSSION: When looking at a map of the world, many people are often intrigued by the way in which the various landmasses are sized up and positioned around the globe. However, there is often a series of major misconceptions which are held by the general public. The chief illusion is the fact that the respective continents are in fact not accurately represented on most global maps. This is a result of the fact that the globe is an oblate spheroid (i.e., a predominantly round shape) which when laid out as most maps commonly are, the respective continents are inaccurately distorted along a flat surface. Thus, as described in more detail in the brief video attached above, the flat world maps which we always like to look at on our mobile devices or in grade-school are quite inaccurate and misleading. They are misleading because of the way in which given countries and continents are laid out from a flat vs. from a round perspective.
As a result of the world being extended across a Mercator projection, as discussed above, this changes the perspective by which we perceive and are essentially taught to understand the way in which the world is laid out. Therefore, the next time you decide to look at a map of the world, keep the information discussed in the paragraph as well as the brief video attached above in mind when viewing a world map in the future. To learn more about other interesting educational topics in atmospheric and geo-science, be sure to click here! © 2018 Meteorologist Jordan Rabinowitz
1 Comment
Frederick Mills
2/6/2018 10:40:49 am
Fascinating examination of Mercators projection, Jordan. How very misleading this projection truly is. My own preference whenever I wish to see a global scene is to take hold of my trusty globe. As you state, the difference is powerful. Greenland is most remarkable regarding it's true size - a minnow in the big picture. Antarctica, as you say, represents another misleading representation of size. Leave a Reply. |
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