Economic Growth

These maps will change how you see the world

Published Apr 20, 2017
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Published in collaboration with
Business Insider
A photo taken by Expedition 46 flight engineer Tim Peake of the European Space Agency (ESA) aboard the International Space Station shows Italy, the Alps, and the Mediterranean on January, 25, 2016. REUTERS/NASA/Tim Peake/Handout ATTENTION EDITORS - FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. THIS PICTURE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THE AUTHENTICITY, CONTENT, LOCATION OR DATE OF THIS IMAGE. THIS PICTURE IS DISTRIBUTED EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS - RTS8V3O
Most maps, like the Mercator projection, distort the size or shape of land masses.Image: REUTERS/NASA

Maps are all imperfect because they portray the globe in just two dimensions. Most maps, like the Mercator projection, distort the size or shape of land masses, which skews our perceptions of how big continents and countries are compared to one another.

When you consider square mileage though, a whole new world appears. Inspired by this map of Africa's true size from German graphic designer Kai Krause, we created 15 map overlays to open your eyes to some real geography.

Image: Diana Yukari/Business Insider
Image: Diana Yukari/Business Insider
Image: Diana Yukari/Business Insider
Image: Diana Yukari/Business Insider
Image: Diana Yukari/Business Insider
Image: Diana Yukari/Business Insider
Image: Diana Yukari/Business Insider
Image: Diana Yukari/Business Insider
Image: Diana Yukari/Business Insider
Image: Diana Yukari/Business Insider
Image: Diana Yukari/Business Insider
Image: Diana Yukari/Business Insider
Image: Diana Yukari/Business Insider
Image: Diana Yukari/Business Insider
Image: Diana Yukari/Business Insider
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