What Is A Mercator Projection
If you’re a fan of geography, cartography, or simply curious about how the world is represented on maps, you might have heard of the Mercator Projection. This is a map projection that was developed by Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator in 1569, and it’s one of the most widely used and recognizable map projections in the world. But what makes it so special, and why should you care? In this travel guide, we’ll explore the Mercator Projection and its impact on our perception of the world, and we’ll also discover some of the best things to see and do in places where this projection is particularly relevant.
Understanding the Mercator Projection
First things first: what is a map projection? Simply put, it’s a way of representing the curved surface of the Earth on a flat piece of paper or computer screen. Since the Earth is a sphere, it’s impossible to create a perfectly accurate flat map without distorting some aspect of the surface. There are dozens of different map projections, each with its own strengths and weaknesses, but the Mercator Projection is one of the most famous and controversial due to its unique characteristics.
The Mercator Projection is a cylindrical projection, which means that it wraps a flat map around a cylinder that touches the Earth at the equator. This creates a rectangular map that stretches the poles out of proportion, making them look much larger than they actually are. The result is that Greenland appears to be bigger than Africa, when in reality Africa is 14 times larger than Greenland. This distortion has been criticized for perpetuating a Eurocentric worldview, as it centers Europe and North America while marginalizing Africa and South America.
Top Attractions
Now that we’ve got the geography lesson out of the way, let’s get down to the fun stuff. Here are some of the top attractions to check out in places where the Mercator Projection has a significant impact:
Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences, try visiting some of the lesser-known destinations in areas that are misrepresented by the Mercator Projection. For example, the island of Madagascar is much larger than it appears on a Mercator map, and it’s home to some of the world’s most unique flora and fauna. Or, head to the city of Salvador in Brazil, which was once the capital of the Portuguese colony and has a rich Afro-Brazilian culture that’s often overlooked in favor of Rio de Janeiro.
Food Scene
When it comes to cuisine, there’s no shortage of delicious dishes to try in countries that are distorted by the Mercator Projection. For example, in Indonesia, which spans over 17,000 islands, you’ll find a diverse range of flavors and ingredients that reflect the country’s multicultural history. Try some nasi goreng (fried rice), sate (grilled meat skewers), or rendang (spicy beef stew) for a taste of the archipelago. Or, if you’re in South Africa, sample some boerewors (sausage), biltong (dried meat), or chakalaka (spicy relish) for a unique blend of African and European flavors.
Budget-Friendly Tips
If you’re traveling on a budget, there are plenty of ways to save money in places that are misrepresented by the Mercator Projection. For example, in Bolivia, which has the highest indigenous population in South America, you’ll find plenty of affordable homestays, street food stalls, and public transportation options. Plus, the country’s stunning landscapes, including the Uyuni salt flats and the Andes mountains, are free to explore on foot or by bike. Or, head to Sri Lanka, where you can stay in guesthouses, take local buses, and eat at small restaurants for a fraction of the cost of more touristy destinations.
Outdoor Adventures
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, there are plenty of outdoor activities to try in places that are misrepresented by the Mercator Projection. For example, in New Zealand, which often appears as a tiny speck on a Mercator map, you’ll find some of the world’s best hiking trails, ski resorts, and bungee jumping spots. Or, head to Chile, where you can go white-water rafting, kayaking, or skiing in the Andes mountains, or explore the rugged Patagonian wilderness.
Historical Landmarks
For history buffs, there are plenty of fascinating landmarks to visit in areas that are misrepresented by the Mercator Projection. For example, in Egypt, which is often shown as smaller than it actually is on a Mercator map, you can explore the ancient pyramids, temples, and tombs of the Pharaohs, or take a Nile river cruise to see the country’s cultural treasures up close. Or, head to Cambodia, which is home to the iconic Angkor Wat temple complex, as well as lesser-known but equally impressive sites such as Preah Vihear and Banteay Chhmar.
Family-Friendly Activities
If you’re traveling with kids, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy in places that are misrepresented by the Mercator Projection. For example, in Australia, which often appears as a small island on a Mercator map, you’ll find plenty of theme parks, zoos, and wildlife sanctuaries that will delight children of all ages. Or, head to Costa Rica, where you can explore the country’s rainforests, beaches, and volcanoes, or go on a wildlife spotting tour to see monkeys, sloths, and toucans in their natural habitat.
Natural Wonders
Whether you’re a nature lover or simply awed by the beauty of the world around us, there are plenty of natural wonders to explore in places that are misrepresented by the Mercator Projection. For example, in Canada, which is often shown as smaller than it actually is on a Mercator map, you’ll find towering mountains, vast forests, and pristine lakes that are perfect for hiking, camping, or canoeing. Or, head to Norway, where you can marvel at the Northern Lights, explore the fjords, or go whale watching along the coast.
Vibrant Nightlife
If you’re looking for a night out on the town, there are plenty of vibrant nightlife scenes to discover in places that are misrepresented by the Mercator Projection. For example, in Argentina, which is often shown as smaller than it actually is on a Mercator map, you’ll find thriving cities such as Buenos Aires, Cordoba, and Rosario that are famous for their tango clubs, live music venues, and trendy bars. Or, head to Thailand, where you can party all night long in Bangkok, Phuket, or Chiang Mai, or relax on the beach with a cold drink and some fresh seafood.
Local Markets
If you’re a fan of shopping, there are plenty of local markets to explore in places that are misrepresented by the Mercator Projection. For example, in Morocco, which is often shown as smaller than it actually is on a Mercator map, you’ll find colorful souks and bazaars that are packed with spices, textiles, ceramics, and jewelry. Or, head to Peru, where you can browse the markets in Cusco, Lima, or Arequipa for alpaca wool clothing, silver jewelry, and handmade crafts.
Beaches and Mountains
For those who love to soak up the sun or hit the slopes, there are plenty of beaches and mountains to explore in places that are misrepresented by the Mercator Projection. For example, in Spain, which often appears as a small country on a Mercator map, you’ll find some of Europe’s best beaches in places such as the Costa del Sol, the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands. Or, head to Switzerland, where you can ski or snowboard in the Alps, or hike along the country’s scenic mountain trails.
Cultural Immersion
If you’re interested in learning about other cultures and ways of life, there are plenty of opportunities for cultural immersion in places that are misrepresented by the Mercator Projection. For example, in India, which is often shown as smaller than it actually is on a Mercator map, you’ll find a rich tapestry of languages, religions, and traditions that vary from region to region. Try staying in a homestay, taking a cooking class, or attending a cultural festival to get a deeper understanding of this complex and diverse country. Or, head to Japan, where you can experience the country’s unique blend of ancient traditions and modern technology, from the temples of Kyoto to the neon lights of Tokyo.
Art and Music Scene
For those who appreciate the finer things in life, there are plenty of art and music scenes to explore in places that are misrepresented by the Mercator Projection. For example, in Italy, which is often shown as smaller than it actually is on a Mercator map, you’ll find some of the world’s most famous museums, galleries, and opera houses in places such as Rome, Florence, and Venice. Or, head to Brazil, where you can soak up the country’s vibrant music scene in cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and Recife, or visit the street art murals of Sรฃo Paulo and Belo Horizonte.
Walking Tours
