Mercator Projection Distortion

[Lewis]

An interesting demonstration how scale of the objects on Mercator projection are distorted.

the actual size of Africa

[CharlieDelta]

[Lewis]

I remember it well cartographers for social justice. Although they do seem like a load of guys who are reading to much into it. They seem to missed the point of maps to get you from a to b. Has anyone ever used the peters projection to navigate? How much more maths would a deck cadet need?

[bobofinga]

I've tried to explain to people Greenland is NOT the size it appears on normal maps and they think im mad.

[YoungMariner]

Mercator charts undoubtedly make our lives easier in the mid and lower latitudes. But yes, I do often wonder why the maps in peoples homes, offices and public places are not of a more accurate projection.

[HarmlessWeasel]

I'm sure I'll cover it in due course, but what kind of map or projection is used for navigating round the poles?

[Lewis]

I always wonder when people get to the pole how do they get directions back. At north pole every direction you look is south.

[HarmlessWeasel]

I always wonder when people get to the pole how do they get directions back. At north pole every direction you look is south.

Thankfully magnetic north doesn't quite match up with true north, but it must make for some interesting navigation

[Lewis]

Thankfully magnetic north doesn't quite match up with true north, but it must make for some interesting navigation

That only moves the problem what if you visit the magnetic north pole

[HarmlessWeasel]

Buggered if i know

[GuinnessMan]

Buggered if i know

Future Navigator? Aspiring deck cadet?

Bloody space cadet more like....

[gadget123]

That only moves the problem what if you visit the magnetic north pole

You invest in a gyro compass.

[Lewis]

can you get a man portable gyro?

[Steve]

I always wonder when people get to the pole how do they get directions back. At north pole every direction you look is south.

Celestial navigation.

[HarmlessWeasel]

Future Navigator? Aspiring deck cadet?

Bloody space cadet more like....

speaking of which, who remembers this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3c5rsqqHjE