22 maps and charts that will surprise you | Vox

Most maps you see are based on the “Mercator projection,” so named for Gerardus Mercator, who came up with it in 1559.

The Mercator projection is excellent for sailing, as it shows constant bearing as a straight line.

But it’s terrible for estimating the size of large masses of land — particularly when they’re close to poles. Under the Mercator projection, for instance, Africa looks to be about the same size as Greenland; it’s actually 14 times larger.

via 22 maps and charts that will surprise you – Vox.