Everything Everywhere Daily: History, Science, Geography & More The Mercator Projection
Dec 8, 2020
Discover the fascinating history of the Mercator Projection, a 16th-century map that revolutionized navigation but comes with major geographical distortions. Ever wondered why Greenland looks enormous on flat maps? This discussion highlights how different map projections can skew our perception of the world and emphasizes the significance of understanding each projection's limits. Explore the balance of benefits and challenges that come with this long-lasting mapping technique.
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Episode notes
Greenland Trickery
- Many listeners notice Greenland looks huge on maps but not on globes, revealing the Mercator effect.
- That visual surprise introduces the episode's explanation of projection trade-offs.
Mercator’s Navigation Breakthrough
- The Mercator projection mathematically preserves angles and constant bearing lines, making it ideal for navigation.
- Gerardus Mercator designed it in 1569 to help sailors plot straight-line courses on maps.
Why Web Maps Use Mercator
- Modern online maps use the Web Mercator projection because it makes local features look like aerial photos.
- This preserves shapes of city blocks and makes smartphone maps feel familiar and useful.
