Have you ever looked at a map of the world and felt like something was off? That’s because most world maps are based on the Mercator projection, which was created in the 16th century and is still widely used today. The Mercator projection is great for navigation, but it distorts the size of countries and continents near the poles, making them appear larger than they actually are.
Enter the Authagraph World Map, a fun and unconventional way to look at our planet. This map was created by Japanese architect and professor Hajime Narukawa in 1999 and is based on a completely different projection method. Unlike the Mercator projection, the Authagraph World Map shows the continents and countries in their true sizes and shapes, with minimal distortion.
So, how does the Authagraph World Map work? The map is based on the concept of “equal area.” This means that the map is divided into 96 equal parts and each part is given an equal amount of space, regardless of its location on the planet. This results in a map that accurately represents the size and shape of each country and continent.
One of the most unique and fascinating aspects of the Authagraph World Map is its shape. Unlike traditional world maps that are rectangular or circular, the Authagraph World Map is a triangle. The map is divided into three sections, with each section representing one of the earth’s hemispheres. This unconventional shape adds a fun twist to the map and makes it stand out from traditional world maps.
The Authagraph World Map is also incredibly detailed, with accurate coastlines, rivers, and mountain ranges. It’s like taking a step back in time and looking at the world as it was hundreds of years ago, before humans started mapping the earth and making their own interpretations of its shape and size.
The AuthaGraph World Map has won several awards for its innovative design, including the Good Design Award from the Japan Institute of Design Promotion in 2016 and the World Map Award from the International Cartographic Association. Today, the AuthaGraph World Map is widely used in various industries and fields, from education and tourism to news and media. It is also available for purchase as a physical map or as a digital file. This map projection is particularly popular in Japan, where it is used in classrooms and offices. The AuthaGraph World Map is also gaining popularity worldwide, as people discover its unique and accurate representation of the world. Whether you are a cartographer, a teacher, or simply someone who loves maps, the AuthaGraph World Map is an exciting and innovative addition to your collection.
In conclusion, the Authagraph World Map is a fun and unconventional way to look at our planet. It offers a unique perspective on the world, with its accurate representation of the size and shape of countries and continents and its triangle shape. So, the next time you’re looking at a map of the world, consider giving the Authagraph World Map a try and seeing the world in a whole new way!
Yours truly,
The cartography enthusiast.
References:
- Narukawa, H. (n.d.). Authagraph World Map. AuthaGraph. Retrieved January 18, 2023, from https://authagraph.com/
- World Map Alternatives (2017, June 08). The AuthaGraph World Map: A Map That Changes Your Perspective. World Map Alternatives. Retrieved January 18, 2023, from https://worldmapalternatives.com/the-authagraph-world-map-a-map-that-changes-your-perspective/
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