Join Dr Jerry Brotton as he explores the role cartography has played in history.
Maps reflect our beliefs and attitudes about the world. The main focus of a map is not always on an accurate topographical representation.
During the early Middle Ages in Europe, map makers created mappa mundi in various sizes. Maps reflect the knowledge of the time they are produced. Later maps depict better geography and some include stories from classical mythology, history and the bible. Although destroyed in WWII, the Ebstorf was the largest of the mappa mundi and could be described as a religious geography. Fortunately, photos existed and the map has been recreated. Today, the largest original map is the Hereford map.
In the 1600’s mapmaking became much more scientific. Because of the difficulty in representing a globe on a flat surface, a map maker must choose which spatial property (Shape, Area, Distance, Direction), they want to emphasize. Each choice results in a different projection. In 1569, a projection was used by Gerardus Mercator to aid navigation. This projection eventually appeared on many maps and atlases for years, probably due to familiarity. In the late 20th century, Arno Peters (using a different projection) claimed that his map more accurately represented the world. He simply chose to emphasize a different spatial property than Mercator. Today’s mapmakers know they must choose the best projection to present their work while acknowledging the distortions.
Enjoy this video? Look for more in the series: “Mapping the World”