A Random Fact-Check on Google map

Map Projections: How accurate are they?

-Bing/Nokia Map on windows8

So, I decide to talk about Map today. However, before I go on, please don't be mistaken by the picture nor the title I posted above. I have no intentions to talk about any navigation or map service on your mobile phone. If you are looking for story about some crazy glitch found on the maps from it-must-not-be-named or cool augmented reality enhancement on the mobile devices (like Nokia city lens on Lumia 920 or google augmented reality glasses ), then you are gonna be disappointed.

The next question that may came into your mind before you decide to stop reading this nonsense is that what I can possibly talk about. We human has been mapping the world since the beginning of the time. Mapping is old news.It is nothing controversial about it.

Wrong!

Okay, now you must think there is something wrong with me. Particularly, with the advancement of technology( there is around 3,000 satellite in orbit), no way in hell that we don't even know what the world is supposed to look like. Before you think I am one of those people wearing tin-foil hats, please give me two seconds to make my case.

Now, closed your eye and try to remember how the world map looks like ( no peeking)
 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

 OK, I hope you come up with something like that: 

  - A screen-shot from Google Map  

This map looks pretty normal, right? It is just like the map we learned at school (in fact, it is). 

 BUT

 In reality, Australia is more than three and a half times larger than Greenland

 

In fact, *the world looks more like this:

 

 

 

 

   

-Gall–Peters projection 

Than the one we are familiar with:

 

-Mercator projection

Why does it look so different? The truth is because the earth as we know of is a globe.In other words, the surface of the earth is curved. Since we like our map flat, certain distortions are inevitable. Therefore, no projections are 100% accurate. Different projections are chosen based on different purpose.That being said, despite its infamous inaccuracy, Mercator projection still retains its dominant popularity, because of its rather aesthetic appeal. When Mercator projection was developed in 1569, it was just made for sailing navigation. Now, you can basically see them everywhere. 

Therefore, next time when you pull off your phone to check on the map. Just keep in mind that what you see is not necessary what it is there.

* Disclaimers: As of matter of fact, the Gall–Peters projection is not accurate either. As I am not an expert in Cartography, I heavily relied on the information from the internet, namely the Wikipedia. National Geographic has a very informative webpage on map projections. They have a video showing different kinds of map projection. If you are interested in learning more, click here.