Maps have been distorted over the centuries and none of those available today can tell you the true size of countries around the world. Now, courtesy of Kai Krause, you are lucky to know the true greatness of Africa. Kai Krause, a software and graphic designer from Germany, created a map with the aim of breaking the record and helping people around the world see the actual sizes of different countries.
One of the most important things his map shows is the true size of Africa. According to the graphic designer, the true size of Africa is immensely greater than anything ever depicted in the atlases. Actual size is that of India, USA, Japan, China and most of Europe. In fact, what was presented at the Royal Geographic Society exhibition in London on unusual maps was just a Mercator projection. The real size is significantly larger and Kai’s map tries to show how big the continent really is.
The Mercator projection was created in 1569 by a pioneer geographer named Fleming. He made a cylindrical map projection with the aim of projecting the real size of maps. Years later, the Mercator continues to be used as the standard projector for seafarers. The reason it is still used is that it can help determine the true direction of maps as well as distances.
The first maps of Africa were drawn by colonized Europeans and focused mainly on the coasts and interiors where these colonies lived. However, these maps left out essential parts of the interior. Over the years, many other cartographers have devised various maps to show the true size of Africa. Some of these have led to mixed feelings from various people who claim the cards are controversial. However, using Mercator made it easy to show the actual lines, borders, and therefore the true size of the continent.
A simple change of lines in a map can cause a significant change in your fixed ideas about the geographic features of a particular region. When using Mercator, all lines are significantly enlarged, which allows the navigator to estimate the real size of a place. The ability to capture each line as it should have made determining the true size of Africa that much easier. The device clearly shows how far apart the meridians are, as well as the distance between latitudes. The device also shows that latitudes along Africa are quite distant from the equator.
As Krause states on his website, we actually cropped the maps to the real size of Africa in general. However, the Mercator was able to erase this information and reveal the true greatness of Africa. Although the Mercator has been used for decades and trusted for its ability to provide actual sizes, many maps, including those of Africa, have had their sizes skewed to favor some people.
For example, you will find that the size of North America in certain maps looks larger and can actually be compared to Africa. However, the truth is that if you use the Krause map, which shows the actual size of Africa, North America fits and there’s still plenty of room for India, China, Argentina, and France.
Satellite maps clearly show the true size of many countries. However, these maps are distorted for one reason or another and thus you never get to see their actual size.
The Krause website gives you access to the real map of Africa which you can easily zoom in to see different borders and make your own comparison between what you are used to and what the real map is supposed to look like .