Why Do Maps Distort Reality?

184 Words1 Pages
Herbert argues that maps distort reality because it is impossible for a map to be accurate in all the domains of a map- namely shape, area, distance, and direction. A map is only able to be accurate in one of these domains. Multiple examples include the Mercator, Peters, Goodes, and Robinson projections. Herbert used these examples to portray distortion of reality causes by maps. She explained how the Mercator projection is ideal for navigation purposes, but is erroneous in terms of the sizes of landmasses relative to each other. For example, the landmass of Africa is 15 times smaller than Greenland, yet in reality they appear to be equal is size. Secondly, the Peter projection creates the landmasses as equal, contrary to the Mercator projection