As regular readers know, I often write about geomatics, its services, and products. While I tend to be a purist when it comes to map projections, favouring the Cahill-Keyes and AuthaGraph projections, I can understand why the Equal Earth projection might be more popular, as it still looks familiar enough to resemble a traditional map.

The Equal Earth map projection is gaining prominence as a tool for reshaping global perceptions of geography, particularly in the context of Africa’s representation. Endorsed by the African Union and advocacy groups like Africa No Filter and Speak Up Africa, the “Correct The Map” campaign seeks to replace the traditional Mercator projection with the Equal Earth projection to more accurately depict Africa’s true size and significance. 

Origins and Design of the Equal Earth Projection
Introduced in 2018 by cartographers Bojan Šavrič, Bernhard Jenny, and Tom Patterson, the Equal Earth projection is an equal-area pseudocylindrical map designed to address the distortions inherent in the Mercator projection. While the Mercator projection is useful for navigation, it significantly enlarges regions near the poles and shrinks equatorial regions, leading to a misrepresentation of landmass sizes. In contrast, the Equal Earth projection maintains the relative sizes of areas, offering a more accurate visual representation of continents.  

Africa’s Distorted Representation in Traditional Maps
The Mercator projection, created in 1569, has been widely used for centuries. However, it distorts the size of continents, particularly those near the equator. Africa, for instance, appears smaller than it actually is, which can perpetuate stereotypes and misconceptions about the continent. This distortion has implications for global perceptions and can influence educational materials, media portrayals, and policy decisions.    

The “Correct The Map” Campaign
The “Correct The Map” campaign aims to challenge these historical inaccuracies by promoting the adoption of the Equal Earth projection. The African Union has actively supported this initiative, emphasizing the importance of accurate geographical representations in reclaiming Africa’s rightful place on the global stage. By advocating for the use of the Equal Earth projection in schools, media, and international organizations, the campaign seeks to foster a more equitable understanding of Africa’s size and significance.   

Broader Implications and Global Support
The push for the Equal Earth projection is part of a broader movement to decolonize cartography and challenge Eurocentric perspectives. By adopting map projections that accurately reflect the true size of continents, especially Africa, the global community can promote a more balanced and inclusive worldview. Institutions like NASA and the World Bank have already begun to recognize the value of the Equal Earth projection, and its adoption is expected to grow in the coming years. 

The Equal Earth map projection represents more than just a technical advancement in cartography; it symbolizes a shift towards greater equity and accuracy in how the world is represented. By supporting initiatives like the “Correct The Map” campaign, individuals and organizations can contribute to a more just and accurate portrayal of Africa and other regions, fostering a global environment where all continents are recognized for their true size and importance.