The above image illustrates what is called “Mercator Projection,” created in 1569 and named after Gerardus Mercator (1512-1594). On the right is the standard view we get from flat maps. But true map coordinates are based on a circular globe, so that longitudinal lines approach one another in distance until they meet a the poles. By making them equidistant on a flat map, we distort the size of landmasses closer to the equators. See how, on the map above, Greenland appears larger than Africa. In reality (unless you are a flat earther, in which case, vamoose!), Africa is fourteen times the size of Greenland. This explains why when we flew to Nairobi last year it took nine hours from Paris. The two places appeared much closer on the map.
The explanation for this is that Mercator projection is more practical for navigation on the high seas, giving better angles … I’m repeating what I read and don’t really get that, but accept it, as Mercator maps are all about and in use.
Below is a map of the world (right side up, of course, as if such a thing existed). You can see the distortion caused by Mercator in the relative size of all of the mapped lands versus the globular size inserted in dark gray.
Thus are Africa and South America monstrous in size compared to the US.
________________________________
Just for fun, I grabbed two videos the other day. All I ask of the reader is to 1) enjoy the music, 2) tell me if it is Paul or Mike performing, and how you distinguish them (or are they both the same person?), and 3) see if you can find any subtle hints of either lip syncing, ghosting of instruments, or Autotune.
I’ve not spent much time with this, and have my Paul and Mike lined up in my mind based on a glance.
Piece of Mindful 