2 hrs ago
UN backs fairer world maps as India supports equal-area approach
The United Nations voted on whether maps should show the sizes of continents more accurately.
Most countries supported the idea, while the United States voted against it.
India voted yes, but said countries should be free to choose different map designs.
The Mercator map is useful for sailors because it shows compass directions clearly.
However, it makes places near the North and South Poles look much larger than they really are.
Greenland can appear close in size to Africa, even though Africa is about 14 times larger.
Equal-area maps try to keep the relative sizes of landmasses accurate.
The resolution encourages their use but does not ban the Mercator map.
The United Nations General Assembly approved the non-binding “Correct the Map” resolution by 164 votes to 1, with six abstentions.
India supported encouraging equal-area maps but did not endorse the 2018 Equal Earth projection or any single design.
The resolution promotes equal-area maps for schools, media, governments and technology companies when comparing land sizes.
The Mercator projection remains useful for navigation but makes regions near the poles appear disproportionately large.
The United States opposed the measure, calling it a distraction from peace and prosperity and linking it to a “radical ideological project.”
- Who
- The United Nations General Assembly, with India and other member states; the United States cast the only opposing vote.
- What
- The Assembly passed a non-binding resolution encouraging more accurate, equal-area world maps.
- Where
- At the United Nations General Assembly.
- When
- On Friday; the articles do not provide a specific date.
- Why
- To reduce distortions in how people perceive the relative sizes of continents and territories.
Supporters of Equal-Area Mapping
United States Opposition
Purpose of the resolution
Supporters of Equal-Area Mapping
Supporters say maps should represent the relative sizes of continents more accurately and reduce misleading perceptions.
United States Opposition
The United States called the vote a distraction from peace and prosperity and associated it with a “radical ideological project.”
Preferred map approach
Supporters of Equal-Area Mapping
India and other supporters favor encouraging equal-area approaches when land-size comparisons matter, while allowing different projections for different purposes.
United States Opposition
The United States opposed the resolution; the article does not specify a preferred alternative map design.
Status of the Mercator projection
Supporters of Equal-Area Mapping
Supporters want schools, media, governments and technology companies to prefer equal-area maps in relevant contexts.
United States Opposition
The resolution does not ban Mercator, which can continue to be used for navigation and other purposes.
Key facts
- Resolution
- “Correct the Map,” a non-binding United Nations resolution.
- Vote
- Passed 164-1, with six abstentions.
- India’s position
- India backed the principle of equal-area mapping without endorsing one specific projection.
- Mercator projection
- Useful for navigation because it preserves compass bearings, but it enlarges areas near the poles.
- Size comparison
- Africa is about 14 times larger than Greenland, despite their similar apparent size on some Mercator maps.
- Other developments
- France said it would remove Mercator from official materials, while the African Union adopted Equal Earth earlier this year.
Quotes
Raghoo Puri
Indian diplomat speaking to the UN General Assembly
“Equal area projections are particularly relevant because they preserve the relative sizes or areas of continental and territorial landmasses.”
wionews.com
“Maps play an important role in how societies understand geography and the relative scale of the world around us.”
wionews.com
Sources
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