What Is the Size of the UK on Africa's Redrawn Equal Earth Map?

The African Union (AU) is leading a campaign to revamp the widely used Mercator map, which inaccurately represents the size of the African continent. This initiative, known as "Correct the Map," aims to replace the historical portrayal that exaggerates the sizes of Europe and North America while downplaying Africa's true scale. By advocating for an alternative like the Equal Earth map, the AU seeks to enhance education and global perception of Africa's geographical and economic significance.

Last updated: 24 October 2023 (BST)

Understanding the Importance of Accurate Mapping

The initiative to correct the Mercator projection is not merely a matter of aesthetics; it has profound implications for how the world views Africa. The current map, which dates back to the 16th century, can distort perceptions of power, geography, and resource distribution. Here are some key takeaways about the campaign:

• The Mercator projection skews the size of continents, with Africa appearing significantly smaller than it is.
• The AU's "Correct the Map" initiative aims to reclaim Africa's place on the global stage.
• Alternative projections like the Equal Earth map provide a more accurate representation of land sizes.
• The campaign has already gained traction and submitted a request to the UN for consideration.
• Misrepresentations in mapping can influence education, policy-making, and international relations.

The Mercator Projection: A Historical Overview

Created by Gerardus Mercator in 1569, the Mercator map was originally designed for maritime navigation. It allows for straight lines to represent constant compass bearings, making it useful for sailors. However, this utility comes at a cost: the Mercator projection distorts the size of land masses, particularly as one moves away from the equator. For instance, Greenland appears much larger than it is compared to Africa.

The Mercator projection has become ubiquitous in educational settings and media, leading to a skewed understanding of global geography. This projection has been ingrained into the collective consciousness, making any proposed change a challenging endeavour.

Why Accurate Mapping Matters

Accurate mapping holds significant importance in various sectors, including education, policy-making, and international relations. When maps misrepresent geographical sizes, they can lead to misconceptions about a continent's resources, capabilities, and influence. For instance, the prevailing belief that Africa is considerably smaller than it is can undermine its geopolitical significance and economic potential.

Selma Malika Haddadi, deputy chairperson of the AU Commission, emphasises that accurate maps are essential for reclaiming Africa's rightful place on the global stage. She argues that the distorted representations contribute to a lack of understanding of Africa’s diverse cultures, economies, and political systems.

The Case for the Equal Earth Map

The Equal Earth map, unveiled in 2018, aims to provide a more balanced representation of land sizes across the globe. Unlike the Mercator projection, it seeks to convey the true scale of continents without compromising visual appeal. The creators of the Equal Earth map argue that it is essential for dispelling myths and misconceptions about Africa and other regions.

One compelling argument is that Africa is vast enough to encompass the United States, China, India, Japan, Mexico, and much of Europe, with room to spare. This fact, however, is often lost on viewers due to the distortions of traditional mapping methods.

The AU’s Initiative and the UN Proposal

The AU's "Correct the Map" initiative has formally requested the United Nations Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) to reconsider the standard global map. This proposal has been submitted for review, and it will be assessed by a committee of experts. If approved, it could lead to a significant shift in how global maps are produced and disseminated.

The process of changing widely accepted maps is complex and fraught with challenges. It involves not only technical considerations of cartography but also societal acceptance and educational reforms. The AU's campaign is a critical first step in addressing these issues.

Challenges in Changing Established Maps

Altering a deeply entrenched map projection like the Mercator is no small feat. Several factors contribute to the challenges of implementing such changes:

• Historical Significance: The Mercator projection carries a long history and cultural significance that can be difficult to alter.
• Educational Systems: Many educational institutions have incorporated the Mercator map into their curriculums, making changes logistically challenging.
• Public Perception: The public's familiarity with the Mercator map can lead to resistance against new representations.

These challenges mean that while the AU’s initiative is commendable, it necessitates widespread cooperation and advocacy to succeed.

Global Reactions and Support

The call to "Correct the Map" has garnered attention from various global organisations and individuals who recognise the importance of accurate geographical representation. Supporters argue that changing the map is vital for fostering a more equitable understanding of the world. Climate scientist Gavin Schmidt from NASA has expressed astonishment that new map projections are still being developed, highlighting the ongoing need for innovation in cartography.

Moreover, this initiative aligns with a growing recognition of the need to address historical injustices and biases in how information is presented globally. As discussions around representation and equity become more prominent, the AU's campaign could serve as a catalyst for broader changes in how maps are created and used.

The Future of Mapping

The conversation surrounding the Mercator map and the AU's initiative signifies a crucial moment in the evolution of cartography. As technology advances, new mapping techniques and projections can be developed that challenge traditional representations. The rise of digital mapping platforms also offers opportunities for more dynamic and accurate visualisations of geographical data.

As society continues to recognise the importance of accurate representation, the push for maps that reflect reality will likely gain momentum. The AU's campaign is an essential step in this direction, advocating for a more equitable understanding of Africa's place in the world.

Conclusion

The effort to revamp the Mercator map is about more than cartography; it is a call to recognise Africa's true size and significance on the global stage. By embracing alternatives like the Equal Earth map, the AU aims to correct historical misrepresentations and foster a fairer understanding of the continent. As the proposal moves forward, it will be fascinating to see how the global community responds to this initiative and whether it leads to tangible changes in how we perceive our world.

What changes could more accurate maps bring to global education and policy? #CorrectTheMap #EqualEarthMap #Geopolitics

FAQs

What is the Mercator projection?

The Mercator projection is a cylindrical map projection created in 1569, primarily used for marine navigation. It distorts land sizes, making regions closer to the poles appear larger than they are.

Why is the African continent misrepresented on the Mercator map?

The Mercator map distorts continents based on their latitude. As Africa is near the equator, it appears smaller than it is compared to polar regions like Europe and North America.

What is the Equal Earth map?

The Equal Earth map is an alternative map projection introduced in 2018, designed to provide a more accurate representation of land sizes while maintaining a visually appealing aesthetic.

What is the goal of the "Correct the Map" campaign?

The "Correct the Map" campaign, led by the African Union, aims to promote accurate geographical representation of Africa and challenge the distorted perceptions created by the Mercator projection.

How can inaccurate maps influence perceptions of Africa?

Inaccurate maps can lead to misconceptions about Africa's size, resources, and importance, which can negatively impact education, policy-making, and international relations.