How Humans Did the Impossible

For thousands of years, it was out of reach, remote, and desolate. How did we map it?

Geospatial support for this work provided by the Polar Geospatial Center under NSF-OPP awards 1043681 and 1559691.

About:
Johnny Harris is an Emmy-winning independent journalist and contributor to the New York Times. Based in Washington, DC, Harris reports on interesting trends and stories domestically and around the globe, publishing to his audience of over 3.5 million on Youtube. Harris produced and hosted the twice Emmy-nominated series Borders for Vox Media. His visual style blends motion graphics with cinematic videography to create content that explains complex issues in relatable ways.

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[teddycambosa]

This, is why I love effective storytelling.

In just 16 minutes, Johnny and his team were able to piece together a video that tailored to the poetic storytelling of Antarctica: from the emotions of awe for discovery, awareness of our desires to explore, to the music that spoke to the magic and the desolation of this icy continent. I can't help but gush over at this new format, being able to elevate a topic that most of us just pass by into something memorable, something beautiful, something...impactful.

Kudos to you Johnny and the whole team behind, superb storytelling here~

[mrbfros]

About half way through this video I suddenly realized that this video felt very different from your other videos. It’s still has your high quality finger prints all over it but it just feels more relaxed and calming. I really love all your content. Thank you so much for what you do!

[MakoTheFrog]

This video is a masterpiece of storytelling, and as a navigation officer i really really appreciate it. Well done to Johnny and the team behind this video, it's beautiful.

[notnixon]

Before sattelite mapping, my dad worked for Decca mapping the antarctic coastline by radar. He has some amazing photos of that period in his life.

[saldan]

This was your best video yet IMO, it's a perfect blend of your beaming passion for maps and geographical places as well as your outstanding ability to tell a human story.

You've outdone yourself, this was amazing!

[sebastianaguilar]

This new video format and new way of story telling Johnny and his team just did here, took me on a very emotional ride I was not expecting. The soundtrack was one of my favorite parts, it was just so flawless. I’m not even sure what to say other than thank you for bringing the content you do on this platform. I experienced emotions I didn’t think were possible to experience watching a YouTube video. This is easily now my favorite video you’ve ever done on this channel. I thank you very much for all the hard work and dedication you put into making these videos.

[athenaparthenos]

The way that Johnny tells these stories is nothing short of a masterpiece

[krisM____]

When you manage to make an informative video, that is 16 minutes long but feels like it's 5 - then you've done an excellent job. I do love this video format for this sort of content!

[natandessie]

I would love a Johnny Harris video on the Bric Nations and your thoughts.

[gizConAsh]

That was quite simply beautiful. The visuals, the music, it feels like watching cinema on YouTube. I really hope you never stop making videos Johnny.

[littlecrimsonwyvern]

Without question, this is the best video you’ve done so far. I can tell you and your team are only going to get better. Congrats, Johnny!

[ruthjolly]

I'd love to see a sequel and hear your thoughts and discoveries about the Piri Reis map that accurately maps Antartica (partially) way ahead of its time.
Loved this! You did an amazing job. Thank you for your beautiful and factual work
R

[pabloparraguez]

I LOVED this format. Almost teared up at the end. We humans sure are despicable at times, but I'd say the average of the human experience, is that of discovery and curiosity. Amazing vid johnny

[tiel]

Your storytelling ability is exquisite! Keep up the amazing content and great work! Respect to you and your team!

[imdelta-rjow]

@Johnny Harris this was by far the most beautiful and well written video of yours I've had the chance of indulging myself in. The script was impeccably written, and please consider giving whoever came up with this absolute masterpiece a raise. Kudos Johnny!

[josephdesousa]

We all know that Johnny’s map game is right up there in the ‘League of Extraordinary Map Gurus’, but is there a word that exists that describes Johnny’s writing used in the narration, and if not, we need one. The voiceover modulation, the storyline and the storytelling in this video are absolutely captivating! You can’t step away from the video at all, you want to stick around to see what’s around the ‘corner’ at every moment of the film.

[cherhalsall]

This one brought tears to my eyes. I shuddered with joy at the beautiful words that completed it. It's truly a work of art.

[Gltdoors]

"Beauty" is not usually something that comes to mind when I think of Johnny Harris videos, but I've got to say, this new piece of yours was definitely awe-inspiring, and yes...beautiful. The music, with the nearly lyrical narration layered over a story of human grit, perseverance, and determination, was absolutely a site to behold. You even got me misty-eyed at a point or two.... Truly great work guys.

[deirdregibbons]

I think I like your map-related videos/stories the best. I learn so much from these. And the storytelling format is beautiful while still being very educational. You have a real talent for natural and social science documentaries.

[BrandonDBaxter]

Proud of you man, this is probably my favorite video of anything I’ve seen on YouTube. I’ve shared this with my family, something I’ve never done. But I think it’s awesome. Keep up the great work. You might get a award for this one