Making accurate world maps is mathematically impossible.
Follow Johnny on Instagram
Help us make more ambitious videos by joining the Vox Video Lab:
Maps are flat representations of our spherical planet. Johnny Harris cut open a plastic globe to understand just what it takes to turn a sphere into something flat.
His struggle to make a flat map out of the plastic globe is indicative of a challenge mapmakers have faced for centuries: It is mathematically impossible to translate the surface of a sphere onto a plane without some form of distortion.
To solve this problem, mathematicians and cartographers have developed a huge library of representations of the globe, each distorting a certain attribute and preserving others.
For instance, the Mercator projection preserves the shape of countries while distorting the size, especially near the north and south pole.
For a more accurate view of land area look at the Gall-Peters projection, which preserves area while distorting shape.
In the end, there’s not “right“ map projection. Each comes with trade-offs, and cartographers make projection decisions based on the particular tasks at hand. But if you are interested in seeing an accurate depiction of the planet, it’s best to stick with a globe.
Interact with projections:
Mercator tool:
Mike Bostock Map Transitions:
Mercator Puzzle:
is a news website that helps you cut through the noise and understand what’s really driving the events in the headlines. Check out
Check out our full video catalog:
Follow Vox on Twitter:
Or on Facebook:
1 view
31
6
1 month ago 00:03:07 1
Two Faced (Official Music Video) - Linkin Park
1 month ago 00:00:32 1
…but the people are retarded
1 month ago 00:12:48 1
The Brand New STIHL MS400.1! WHY is this CHAINSAW different?
1 month ago 00:02:41 6
sinking in the deep || Viktor (Arcane)
1 month ago 00:04:14 1
The Hunter - Bloodborne (4K UHD 2024)
1 month ago 00:04:35 1
My Girl OST - Sang-eo-reul Sa-rang-han In-eo (Male Version)
1 month ago 00:03:10 1
Sometimes I Like To Lie - AnnenMayKantereit
1 month ago 00:26:26 1
LEGO Horizon Adventures PS5 Pro Gameplay - Thunderjaw Boss Fight
2 months ago 00:03:57 1
Don Toliver - BROTHER STONE (FEAT. KODAK BLACK) [Official Music Video]
2 months ago 00:04:04 5
Mass Effect Trilogy Trailer
2 months ago 00:02:02 12
DayZ Update Teaser
2 months ago 00:04:45 1
Hollywood Undead - Hollywood Forever (Official Music Video)
2 months ago 00:26:26 1
Darktide Curios Tier List- Ranked by Class and Experience Level | A Companion Piece
2 months ago 00:47:00 1
Starmer is MORE EXTREME than Corbyn. The Right Don’t Understand the Battle They Are Losing
2 months ago 00:02:14 1
Nightcore - Heathens (Lyrics)
2 months ago 00:03:19 1
BODY COUNT - F*** What You Heard (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
2 months ago 00:03:13 2
Benson Boone - Beautiful Things (Official Music Video)
2 months ago 00:02:52 3
The Crying Game - Marcus Nimbler
2 months ago 00:12:50 1
Chip War Erupts! Is China REALLY Winning the Global Tech Battle?
2 months ago 00:04:38 1
Starbomb - Kiss The Elden Ring (Official Music Video)
2 months ago 01:16:30 1
#1 Neurosurgeon: How to Manifest Anything You Want & Unlock the Unlimited Power of Your Mind
2 months ago 00:39:35 1
He QUIT CHESS for college, now he’s TOP 8! WEI YI Podcast
2 months ago 00:04:58 1
Know Your Place (Pandorium x Solitude) Lyric Video - Will Ryan Originals
2 months ago 00:06:02 1
Youtube Unsubscribe from channels on autopilot with iMacros