Why Maps Lie

Maps tell the truth right? Well… it depends what information the map was designed to give us and what information we think the map gives us. In this video I discuss the Mercator projection map as a case study for us using a map for a purpose it was not intended to be used for and the issues this causes.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve seen a Mercator projection map today (hint: google maps uses it – but because it is for navigation I guess we can let them off).

Also, let me know if you have any questions about geography, politics or science that you’d like me to look into and the next video could be an answer to something you’ve been wondering about for a while now.

Channel graphics by Anne Bast.

Contents:
(00:00) Intro
(00:16) Definition of a map
(00:56) Maps don’t show everything
(01:55) Example of manipulative mapping 1
(02:18) Example of manipulative mapping 2
(02:48) The Mercator projection map
(03:55) Problems with the Mercator projection map
(05:30) So what is the solution?
(05:43) What would I do?
(6:00) Why is Europe in the middle?
(06:21) There is more to things than we think
(06:55) Outro

References:

Blunt, A and Rose, G. 1994. Writing Women and Space: Colonial and Postcolonial Geographies. New York: Guildford Press.

Britannica, Lexico, Cambridge Dictionary and Wikipedia.

[fluffypinkpiano]

Love this, and thanks for including references - super helpful!

[roshneychouhan]

This is so interesting Aisling ! Made my evening!