Reminder that the red depiction is also “wrong”, and not the equal area projection. The equal area projection map looks like this:
(Can’t upload pictures on blahaj piefed, HTTP 400 error)
In some senses, the red area is more wrong than the Mercator, since it is not a projection at all, but a false projection. The distances between the countries are misleading, especially when superimposed on the Mercator, which is also misleading in terms of sizes, but not shape.
All projections are compromises, but false projections are completely untethered from a mathematical relationship to the actual globe.
It is OK and not misleading if it were made clear that the red area is NOT a map, but a way of depicting the size only. Since it is shown in a geographic context with no disclaimer, i don’t think this is universally apparent.
There are many equal area world map projections, this one is called Equal Earth. It’s a very solid choice too. Although the very top and bottom of this map are still stretched when viewed on a Tissot indicatrix. Still way better than the shitty Mercator.
It certainly has its purpose, and always will. People talk like it’s outdated from seafaring days, but not only is there still plenty of seafaring going on, the Mercator got a new lease on life in digital mapping applications.
I called it shitty just because I really like maps, and when it comes to world maps, I think it’s overused, and just plain ugly. I realize that is a completly subjective opinion.
This is a good and long coming change.
Reminder that the red depiction is also “wrong”, and not the equal area projection. The equal area projection map looks like this:
(Can’t upload pictures on blahaj piefed, HTTP 400 error)
In some senses, the red area is more wrong than the Mercator, since it is not a projection at all, but a false projection. The distances between the countries are misleading, especially when superimposed on the Mercator, which is also misleading in terms of sizes, but not shape.
All projections are compromises, but false projections are completely untethered from a mathematical relationship to the actual globe.
It is OK and not misleading if it were made clear that the red area is NOT a map, but a way of depicting the size only. Since it is shown in a geographic context with no disclaimer, i don’t think this is universally apparent.
Here is a link to a 3D globe: https://tembrica.com/en/earth-globe
Here is a good comparator of Mercator size vs equal size countries, not superimposed on a map. https://www.runcell.dev/tool/true-size-map/equal-earth-projection
Equal Earth
Areaprojection:It’s great for countries in the middle, I.e Europe. Everyone else gets warped and slanted to the side.
Gonna have to rename ourselves to Australia.
Don’t you mean: ɐılɐɹʇsn∀
Huge boon to Queensland beachfront property developers though.
There are many equal area world map projections, this one is called Equal Earth. It’s a very solid choice too. Although the very top and bottom of this map are still stretched when viewed on a Tissot indicatrix. Still way better than the shitty Mercator.
Why is the Mercator shitty? It has its purpose and it’s good in it.
It certainly has its purpose, and always will. People talk like it’s outdated from seafaring days, but not only is there still plenty of seafaring going on, the Mercator got a new lease on life in digital mapping applications.
I called it shitty just because I really like maps, and when it comes to world maps, I think it’s overused, and just plain ugly. I realize that is a completly subjective opinion.
Thanks for the correction! Fixed
@time2lose@lemmy.world update your post with the correct image.
Oh that’s clever, I was concerned about the longitude lines, but this is quite readable.
I just don’t like the one with missing slivers in the oceans.