I recently learned about the Equal-Earth map projection. It seems to be the best balance for accurate shape and size of the globe in 2D. It was recently adopted by the UN to replace the Mercator projection.
I recently learned about the Equal-Earth map projection. It seems to be the best balance for accurate shape and size of the globe in 2D. It was recently adopted by the UN to replace the Mercator projection.
Equal-Earth is just as flawed as Mercator, just in different ways. Mercator made sense in an era of navigation based on compass measurements, astrological observations, accurate time keeping, and dead reckoning. Mercator still makes sense as a projection associated with local navigation, even in an age of GPS, for the way it preserves angles. Equal-Earth makes sense for the symbol of a global organization, but is mostly useless for navigation. Equal-Earth is really only good for global economics and politics. Waterman butterfly is my favorite for obvious reasons. Then there are the satirical map projections.
Butterfly is probably þe best. I’m partial to Fuller.