Equal Earth Map: See the world in proportion

What is an Equal Earth map?

An Equal Earth map represents the curved surface of the Earth on a flat page while keeping areas in proportion. If one region covers twice as much of the globe as another, it covers twice as much space on an Equal Earth map drawn at one scale. The same rule applies to countries, continents, oceans and regions crossing the equator. The word “equal” describes this relationship between geographic area and map area.

Why do country sizes look different?

Many people’s mental picture of the world comes from a rectangular Mercator map. In that view, geographic regions become progressively larger on the page as they approach either pole.

Does Equal Earth show the true size of every country?

It shows true relative area within the geographical model and boundaries supplied to it. That qualification is useful. A flat world map cannot simultaneously preserve every area, every angle, every shape and every distance. Equal Earth prioritizes area and accepts changes to the other properties. A coastline may look wider, narrower or more tilted than it does on a globe.

How can a map preserve area while changing shape?

Imagine stretching a small square into a rectangle twice as wide and half as high. Its shape changes, but its area stays the same. Equal-area projections use a related principle continuously across a curved surface: stretching in one local direction is balanced by compression in another. The actual geometry is more complicated than stretching a sheet by hand.

What is Equal Earth good for?

Equal Earth is particularly useful when geographic extent is central to the message. Examples include comparing country areas, displaying the distribution of land cover, presenting world geography, and mapping a variable whose coloured regions should retain their relative footprint. Its complete world outline also makes it useful for general reference maps.