Todos os mapas do mundo são imperfeitos. Entenda as razões e as soluções para amenizar distorções

Understanding Map Distortions

The Mathematical Limitations of Mapping

• Rodrigo Pinto from BBC News Brasil introduces the topic of map distortions, highlighting that maps do not accurately represent the world.

• It is mathematically impossible to project a curved surface like Earth onto a flat surface without distortion. An analogy with an orange peel illustrates this concept.

Historical Context and Mercator Projection

• No map can perfectly represent reality; all have inherent distortions affecting size, shape, and location of continents.

• The Mercator projection was created in 1569 by Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator for safe navigation, maintaining angles but distorting sizes.

• The further a country is from the equator on a Mercator map, the larger it appears compared to its actual size.

Examples of Distortion

• Visual indicators show how Greenland appears similar in size to Africa on a Mercator map, despite being 14 times smaller.

• Comparisons between Spain and Bolivia illustrate that Bolivia's territory is actually double that of Spain, yet they appear similar in size on some maps.

Subjectivity in Cartography

• Maps can reflect subjective views; historical orientations varied based on cultural perspectives (e.g., east-oriented maps).

• Different countries use various official cartographies tailored to their geographical needs.

Alternatives to the Mercator Projection

• The Gall-Peters projection aims to correct size distortions but significantly alters shapes.

• Winkel Tripel projection (1921), adopted by National Geographic, balances proportions better than others.