The perception of the size of countries on traditional maps can be misleading, as the Mercator map, used for navigation and education, distorts the dimensions of regions. For this reason, we present some tools available to appreciate the true size of the countries of the world.
As we have mentioned, the Mercator map, developed by Gerardus Mercator in 1569, has long been the standard for navigation and world maps. This cylindrical projection preserves angles, making navigation easier, but significantly distorts the size of areas, especially as one moves away from the equator. As a result, countries near the poles, such as Greenland and Russia, appear much larger than they actually are, while countries close to the equator, like those in Africa, seem reduced.
For example, on the Mercator map, Greenland appears to be the size of Africa, when in reality, Africa is approximately 14 times larger. This distortion also affects our perception of other countries and regions, leading to misunderstandings about their true size in the global context.
Why Do We Need These Tools?
The True Size Of
This interactive tool allows users to compare the size of different countries by dragging them onto a map that adjusts the scale to show more accurate proportions. By using this platform, you can see how the size of Spain compares to other countries, such as the United States or Brazil, without the distortion that appears on Mercator maps. Spoiler: Spain is almost the same size as the state of Texas.
GeoPandas and GIS Tools
Geographic Information System (GIS) tools, such as GeoPandas, provide an advanced way to explore geography accurately. These platforms allow users to work with geospatial data and create maps that minimize distortions. Users can visualize the real size of countries and regions, making detailed comparisons between them. These tools are especially useful for analysts and geographers who require an exact representation of the size and shape of geographic areas. They are complicated to use, but anyone can give them a try.
Interactive Real Size Maps
In addition to traditional projections, there are websites like MapChart that allow users to create their own custom maps. These interactive tools offer options to adjust projections and view the world from different perspectives, helping to visualize the real size of countries without the usual distortions.
Google Earth and Google Maps
Although they are basic tools that we use in our daily lives, Google Earth and Google Maps are also useful for exploring the real dimensions of the world. These applications allow users to visualize the size of countries at street level and compare areas in great detail, helping to gain a better understanding of the actual size of regions.