Gerardus Mercator created the Mercator projection in 1569 by synthesizing navigation and cartography ideas. The projection uses rail-straight lines corresponding to constant compass bearings, making it ideal for age-of-sail navigation. The projection dramatically distorts land area, exaggerating sizes farther from the equator; Greenland can appear similar in size to Africa despite Africa being roughly 14 times larger. The projection's simple grid enables seamless zoomable web maps and classroom maps, sustaining its widespread use. Critics note the distortion's political and educational costs. The African Union joined a campaign to replace the Mercator projection with maps that accurately show Africa's size.
Crisscrossed by rail-straight lines that correspond to constant compass bearings, the Mercator projection was ideal for navigation in the age of sail, at the expense of showing the actual size of landmasses: The further from the equator they are, the larger they appear. Greenland might look the same size as Africa (rather than some 14 times smaller, as in reality), but at least an adventurous crew could sail from one to the other without constantly recalculating their course.
It has stood the test of time: Billions of people would recognize it today, from their classroom walls and navigation apps. The projection is just as useful, it turns out, for zoomable web maps, which work seamlessly over its simple grid system. But its longevity has come at a cost, critics argue. The Africa Union earlier this month joined a campaign calling for the replacement of the Mercator projection with maps that show Africa's accurate size.
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