UN endorses Equal Earth map projection to reduce size distortion of continents

The United Nations General Assembly voted to endorse the Equal Earth projection, a map format that minimizes the area distortion inherent in the Mercator projection, which can exaggerate the size of regions near the poles by up to fourteen times. Cartographers Jack Swab and Derek Alderman explained that while no flat map can avoid distortion, the Equal Earth projection offers a more faithful representation of the relative sizes of continents, making it better suited for educational, public-communication and policy contexts.

They noted that the Mercator projection remains valuable for navigation because it preserves compass bearings, which is why many digital mapping services continue to use a Mercator-based system for routing. However, for purposes such as textbooks, media graphics and diplomatic briefings, the Equal Earth projection can provide a “fairer” visual comparison of population, environmental and economic data across regions.

The UN resolution does not mandate a global switch; adoption will depend on the decisions of individual publishers, educators and governments, who must invest in updating maps and related materials. Since its introduction in 2018, the Equal Earth projection has been adopted by some map makers and is available for purchase as wall maps.

A small number of delegates abstained or voted against the resolution, citing concerns unrelated to the projection’s technical merits, such as the depiction of contested territories. The United States cast the sole negative vote, describing the proposal as an ideological initiative linked to discussions of colonial legacies.

Proponents from African nations argue that the new projection supports “cognitive justice” by aligning visual size with the continent’s growing economic and demographic significance, helping to reshape perceptions of its global role.