The UN General Assembly is set to vote on a resolution to phase out the Mercator projection in favor of a map that accurately represents the true size of Africa and other equatorial regions.
- The UN General Assembly will vote on a resolution to replace the traditional Mercator map.
- Sponsored by Togo, the resolution is backed by the African Union and 54 member states.
- The Mercator projection makes Africa appear similar in size to Greenland, despite being 14 times larger.
- The proposed 'Equal Earth Map' aims to provide scientific and geographic accuracy.
The United Nations General Assembly is scheduled to vote this Friday on a landmark resolution that could fundamentally change how we visualize our planet. The resolution, sponsored by Togo, calls for the formal phasing out of the traditional Mercator projection in favor of a map that more accurately depicts the true scale of the African continent.
Robert Dussey, Togo’s Foreign Affairs Minister, emphasized that the movement is rooted in science rather than politics. He argued that the current global standard, the 1569 Mercator map, creates a distorted reality. While originally designed to assist sailors with navigation, its projection style significantly inflates the size of high-latitude regions like Europe and North America while shrinking equatorial regions like Africa.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that cartography is never neutral; it carries deep-seated geopolitical implications. By visually diminishing the Global South, the Mercator projection has historically reinforced systemic biases in international trade, development priorities, and educational frameworks. Moving toward an equal-area map is a step toward visual decolonization.
Adopting an equal-area map would provide a more accurate basis for education and public understanding, signaling that Africa's geopolitical importance should no longer be viewed through distorted conventions.
The scale discrepancy is staggering. On a standard Mercator map, Africa appears comparable to Greenland. In reality, Africa is 14 times larger than Greenland. Activists supporting the #CorrectTheMap campaign point out that one could fit the United States, China, India, Japan, Mexico, and much of Europe inside Africa, and still have land to spare.
| Feature | Mercator Projection | Equal Earth Map |
|---|---|---|
| Accuracy | Low (Significant area distortion) | High (Equal-area projection) |
| Africa's Representation | Visually minimized | True geographic scale |
| Primary Use Case | Marine Navigation | Education & Global Awareness |
The push for change is gaining significant momentum. The African Union has endorsed the campaign, and supporters are advocating for the 2018 Equal Earth Map, developed by an international team of cartographers. This follows similar successful UN resolutions backed by the African Union, such as the recent recognition of the slave trade as a crime against humanity.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will this change Google Maps immediately?
While UN resolutions are non-enforceable, they serve as a powerful directive that could influence tech giants and educational curricula worldwide.
2. Who is the main proponent of this change?
Togo is leading the charge, supported by the African Union and various geographers seeking to end 'cartographic colonialism.'
