Lastest updates: Peters World Maps last updated October 2024.
The Peters Map Projection is an equal-area map projection that accurately represents the relative sizes of the Earth’s landmasses.
Arno Peters popularized the projection in 1974, although it is based on James Gall’s earlier work from the 19th century.
It challenges the traditional Mercator projection, often criticised for distorting the relative sizes of countries, favouring the Global North.
It presents landmasses in their true proportional sizes, promoting a more equitable view of the world.
The Mercator distorts size to preserve shape, while the Peters preserves area at the expense of shape.
It's a map that represents regions of the Earth in true proportion to their actual area.
Critics argue that it distorts the shape of landmasses, making continents like Africa and South America appear stretched.
It's used for educational purposes and to highlight global inequality in traditional cartography.
Yes, some schools use it to teach geography and to provide a more accurate perspective on global land areas.
It distorts the shapes of landmasses, especially near the poles.
It depends on the purpose; it's more accurate for representing land area but less accurate for navigation.
To address and correct the biases inherent in traditional map projections like the Mercator.
It's another name for the Peters Projection, acknowledging James Gall's earlier work.
It challenges perceptions of dominance by giving a more accurate view of land area sizes.
While accepted in some circles, it remains controversial and isn't universally adopted.
The Mercator projection, commonly used for navigation, greatly distorts sizes.
No, it's unsuitable for navigation because it distorts shapes and angles.
It significantly distorts the shapes of polar regions.
Because it represents true land area, correcting the size distortion seen in other projections.
It highlights geographical biases and promotes discussions on equality and representation.
Educational tools, visualising global equality, and comparative studies of land area.
No map can be completely accurate, but the Peters Projection is best for equal-area representation.
Many traditional maps, like Mercator, prioritize shape over area, making Africa appear smaller.
It refers to distortions or misrepresentations in maps that influence perception, often culturally or politically.
By representing all areas proportionally, it challenges biases in size perception.
Map projections date back centuries, with each designed for specific uses like navigation or land representation.
The Mercator projection is most commonly used, especially for navigation.
It marked a shift toward maps designed to challenge political and cultural biases.
It preserves shapes and angles, making it useful for navigation and aesthetic purposes.
No, it complements other projections depending on the purpose, such as education or navigation.
No, the Peters Map Projection is protected by international copyright. You need a license to use it in your publications - contact us to discuss your requirements. However, you can buy a printed copy from licensed outlets such as MapShop or Etsy
You can get the Peters maps in a variety of options:
All versions of the Peters World Maps, Peters Projection Maps and their derivatives are copyrighted.
© 2024, MRS. ARNO PETERS. REPRESENTED BY HUBER CARTOGRAPHY, GERMANY.
ENGLISH VERSION BY OXFORD CARTOGRAPHERS, UK