1 Even though we know that all maps show inevitable distortions in shapes, sizes and distances, we usually think that world maps represent Earth exactly as it is. We also arbitrarily choose which territories we place at the centre of maps and which countries to place on the sides. Have you ever considered that maybe the maps we see inf luence the way we perceive the world? Think about how maps affect the way we perceive the world 18 Analyse the Mercator and Peters maps on page 15. Find out how many square kilometres Africa and Greenland each measure. Is this proportion clear on the Mercator map? How does Europe appear on each map? On which of the two maps does the land in the Southern Hemisphere look larger? 19 Compare the Mercator and Peters maps with a globe. Which map do you think is most similar to a globe? C R I T I C A L T H I N K I N G Is this map upside down? 23 INVESTIGATE Find out where the word orientate comes from. Find out who Stuart McArthur was and why he made this map. (24) 24 CONTRAST Look at the photo of Earth taken from space in 1972 by the Apollo XVII crew. (23) Which region can you see at the bottom? Is the South Pole at the top or bottom of the globe? 25 DECIDE Are the concepts of north and up synonyms? Is making maps with north at the top an arbitrary decision or do they reflect reality? Why? U S E I N F O R M A T I O N R E S P O N S I B LY 22. The UN logo What did you take into account: the shape of the territories? The size? The distance between them? Share your answer with your partner. 20 Look at the world map in the UN logo. It is viewed from the North Pole. Why do you think this projection was used? 21 Think about the world maps you generally use. Which regions are usually in the centre? What conclusions can you draw? 22 DEBATE. Do maps influence the way we view the world? 24. Stuart McArthur's universal map 23. Photo of Earth taken from Apollo XVII OR FALSE ? T R U E 25
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