Table of Contents
Imagine a world where the maps you consult daily on Google Maps display more accurate proportions, doing justice to the true dimensions of continents. This reality could be in the making, but it will not manifest immediately. Have you ever wondered why? Let’s dive into the behind-the-scenes of this potential transformation.
In 2026, while the United Nations General Assembly approves a significant change in how world maps could be represented, Google Maps continues to use the Mercator projection. Why this resistance to change? This article explores the nuances and implications of this international decision, as well as the reasons why Google has not yet adopted the new map projection.
The 3 Key Facts
The United Nations General Assembly recently adopted a resolution promoting the abandonment of the Mercator projection in favor of more accurate map representations, such as the Equal Earth projection. This initiative, led by Togo on behalf of the African Union, aims to correct surface distortions that notably underestimate the size of Africa.
Despite the adoption of this resolution by a large majority, it is not binding. Therefore, the use of the Mercator projection remains tolerated, especially for maritime and aerial navigation, where it retains a certain advantage due to its preservation of angles.
Google Maps continues to use the Mercator projection, primarily due to its compatibility with the square tile system that Google has employed since 2005. This system is essential to ensure a smooth and accurate view at all zoom levels, a crucial function for service users. Other services, like OpenStreetMap and Bing Maps, also share this approach.
Although the UN resolution does not compel Google to change its method, it nevertheless encourages mapping companies to explore fairer alternatives. Togo plans to engage in dialogue with these companies to discuss the possibilities of adopting new projections.
In response to the UN resolution, France has decided to replace the Mercator projection with the Eckert IV projection for its official maps. Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, stated that this transition is an “exercise in truth.” This choice illustrates France’s desire to more accurately reflect the true dimensions of territories.
Eckert IV, like Equal Earth, prioritizes the conservation of surfaces, albeit at the expense of angles. This allows for a more balanced representation of the sizes of continents, contrasting with the distortions of the Mercator projection.
Why is the Mercator projection still used?
The Mercator projection is widely used due to its ability to preserve angles, making it particularly useful for maritime and aerial navigation. Its adoption in digital mapping systems also relies on its compatibility with tile systems, which facilitate zooming and scrolling.
What are the advantages of the Equal Earth projection?
Equal Earth offers a more accurate representation of the actual surfaces of countries, which is crucial to avoid erroneous perceptions of the relative sizes of continents, notably Africa compared to other regions.
Can the UN resolution influence Google Maps in the future?
Although non-binding, the UN resolution could push tech companies to rethink their approaches if the demand for more accurate maps were to grow among users and institutions.
What is the difference between Eckert IV and Equal Earth?
Both projections aim to represent surfaces equivalently, but they differ in their design. Equal Earth was developed in 2018 by combining elements of Eckert IV with another projection, Putnins P4’, to offer a modern and accurate alternative.
When examining the effects of map projections, it is fascinating to see how global perception can be influenced by the way countries are represented. Traditional projections like Mercator tend to minimize certain continents, which can affect geopolitics and cultural perceptions.
As nations like Togo advocate for change, the adoption of new projections could also stimulate increased awareness of the true dimensions of continents, with potential repercussions on education and international diplomacy.
Digital mapping systems have evolved significantly over the years, offering increasingly sophisticated features. However, with the rise of new technologies and the growing demand for more accurate representations, the sector could be on the brink of transformation. Players like Mapbox and Esri are already at the forefront of innovation, exploring solutions to integrate equivalent projections into their platforms.
As efforts to adopt more accurate maps continue, collaboration between international institutions, governments, and tech companies could define the future of digital mapping systems. Decisions made today could well influence how we view the world in the decades to come.