For centuries, mapmakers have agonized over how to accurately display our round planet on anything other than a globe.
Now, a fundamental re-imagining of how maps can work has resulted in the most accurate flat map ever made, from a trio of map experts: J. Richard Gott, an emeritus professor of astrophysics at Princeton and creator of a logarithmic map of the universe once described as "arguably the most mind-bending map to date"; Robert Vanderbei, a professor of operations research and financial engineering who created the "Purple America" map of election results; and David Goldberg, a professor of physics at Drexel University.
Their new map is two-sided and round, like a phonograph record or vinyl LP. Like many radical developments, it seems obvious in hindsight. Why not have a two-sided map that shows both sides of the globe? It breaks away from the limits of two dimensions without losing any of the logistical convenience -- storage and manufacture -- of a flat map.
"This is a map you can hold in your hand," Gott said.
2 comments:
This lends credence to those flat earthers... so, I'm out.
uptonking - *chuckle* However, you might be correct that the flat earthers will take this as proof they're right.
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