Peters Projection Map of the World

The Peters Map of the World is an equal-area map. One square inch anywhere equals the same number of square miles. It presents the relative size of areas with complete accuracy. But what a different world this seems to be. This is a projection of the world that gives areas their ‘true’ relative size. You can easily see how much larger South America is than Europe. On the other hand, compass bearings are not straight on this map. Maps really are like points of view. The drawback to the Peters map is that to achieve relative size with complete accuracy, it is necessary to distort shapes. Think of an orange peel. Hard to get it to lie flat. Cartographers have the same problem wrestling the round earth onto a flat surface. The shapes of continents you are familiar with have been compromised, but how serious is this problem for you? Are the shapes of the major land masses twisted beyond recognition, or do you still recognize them without difficulty? How different are they from true shapes on a globe? **** On the Peters,

Some land areas appear to be stretched vertically; others, horizontally. To be more precise, this projection uses two “base” or “standard” lines, here 45º N and 45º S. These are approximately the lines running through Portland, Oregon (or Milan, Italy) and through New Zealand’s South Island (or the Archipelago de los Chonos, Chile). Along these two lines, and only along these two lines, is the map’s given scale constant. Between these lines -- which happen to be parallels of latitude -- shapes are distorted in a north-south direction; beyond them they are stretched east-west. Why? Just one reason: in order to accomplish the map’s clear goal, which is to represent the sizes of all areas with complete accuracy. Here's the principle involved: every map has its purpose. Only when you have unpacked that purpose are you ready to judge the map itself. You’ve got to “see through” the opaqueness of the printed map to the mapmaker’s intention. Always judge a map by its central aim, not by some extraneous standard The Peters is not perfect for every need. But it does show you how large each country is, and the sizes are possible to compare. The map is 35" x 51" comes in paper, folded, and includes a 4-page Explanation.