The sacrifices made by Magellan, Columbus, and Marco Polo have not gone in vain. No previous epoche of history has ever made it easier to navigate uncharted territory. Thanks to the launch of the GPS project in 1973 by the United States, traveling has been reduced to inputting addresses and getting up-to-the-minute information on travel time, traffic, and even the best course of travel.
Cartography still holds a valuable place amongst data studies, since it can still provide us with information not relative to global positioning. The following 25 maps present us with miscellaneous information that will have us remembering the good ol’ times of geography class. Get your protractors and magnifying glasses ready cause this voyage is taking off far across the seas!
1) Lithuania Has Made A Map With Magnets Found Only In Corresponding Cities
If you’re a maniac for magnets then this map is more than ideal. The magnets compose the shape of the country and makes for a colorful design on any fridge. Lituania went ahead with this move in hopes of increasing local tourism.
2) Occupied Bald Eagle Nests In Wisconsin 1974 vs 2019
This map shows the incredible growth of bald eagle nests from 1974 to 2019. A large part attributing to their growth was the expansion of the Clean Water Act which helped set wastewater standards for industry. Since it has helped clean out many polluted areas, the eagles have been able to fly in search of more food, thus giving them confidence to lay their nesting grounds in areas with a thriving food source.
3) An Eagle Being Tracked For A Period Of 20 Years
Now this eagle has gone places! It seems there are no visas or travel restrictions when you can flap your wings and fly freely to any place you desire. It’s going to have plenty of bedtime stories ready for its kin when its ready to settle down.
4) Bands Announcing World Tours
This map hilariously shows the stereotypes of how bands feel when performing on tour. There is some harsh disregard for some of the more interesting places out there, but this is the stereotype you get when you’re an ego-centric band that stereotypes America as the center of the world. Hopefully, this perspective changes and bands get the courage to perform elsewhere, since these fans really do have so much to offer.
5) How Big Japan Really is
Japan’s size could easily fool you unless you compare it in this fashion. Its incredible length covers the distance from as far south as the tip of Cuba’s northern shore, to as far north as the waterway between Maine and Nova Scotia! That’s truly remarkable considering most of us think of Japan as a small island in the Pacific.
6) Map Centered Around New Zealand
Not exactly the kind of map you want to use when getting acquainted with the world. It almost looks like a big blue soup that’s swirling around constantly. Just because it’s 2020 doesn’t mean Pangea caused New Zealand to be the epicenter of our globe.
7) Map Of Cheeses Across Europe
For all you cheeseheads out there, here’s the ultimate guide: a map specifically showing where you can find the best cheeses in Europe. Never again will you have any doubt about where to find that sharp manchego cheese or even world-famous brie cheese. Next time you travel to Europe, make sure to take a peek at this informational guide to all your cheese fantasies!
8) Each Section Has 10% Of The World’s Population
Here’s a quick stat breakdown while giving you some eye candy. This map is especially cool for those geography buffs trying to study population densities across the world. The colors do a nice job for observers to easily see each section with their respective countries.
9) The United States Of America: Alaskan Perspective
Alaska was ratified as the 49th state and nicknamed “The Last Frontier.” It’s harsh, yet pristine wilderness has garnered recognition from naturalists all over. This map shows it’s hearty size and welcomes anyone trying to venture into it’s untamed lands.
10) 50 % Of Canadians Live South Of The Red Line
This is head-scratching, to say the least. As it turns out, most of the Canadian population inhabits the North-East region or North America. But half of the population? That’s truly a remarkable fact given Canada’s girthy size.
11) List Of Countries Mentioned Or Referred To In The Bible
For those trying to gain a bit of religious insight, it seems the Bible has mentioned only the red-highlighted countries featured on this map. The Fertile Crescent is indeed the main setting for most of the stories, along with some countries in North/North-East Africa, Western Europe, and South Asia. We’ve come a long way as humans since the days of the Old World, and this is definitely proof to show of our humble beginnings before the Age of Exploration.
12) Longest Possible Train Travel In The World
If only this project would’ve made its way into existence. Sometimes we can only draw lines and dream. Regardless, at least someone drew the blueprint for this idea, so hopefully, talented engineers can get together one day and turn this into a reality.
13) Locations Of Penguins Found Naturally In The World
This map highlights the importance of preserving penguins worldwide. Their homes are becoming scarce, as they mainly dwell in the South Pole. If you travel to places such as the Andres mountain trail or even South Africa, make sure to wave out to these waddling friends.
14) 3-D Render Topographic Map Of Europe
15) Australia And U.S.A. Size Comparison
For all those who didn’t know, Australia really is that big. The country (and basically continent) is mainly comprised of the Outback, which is considered one of the most dangerous and primitive natural regions in the world. This also highlights the United States as a ridiculously large country, although most of us tend to bottle ourselves in the comfort of our home state.
16) North America Animal Migration Routes
No, this is not a James Pollock impression. It’s actually a very colorful representation of animals traversing the land to get to their destinations. Most of the path in the U.S. focuses along the Appalachian trail where many forms of life migrate due to the scarcity of food in the north.
17) World’s Smallest Country Compared With Largest Building
This is a size comparison of the smallest city, the Vatican City, with the largest building by footprint, the Aalsmeer Flower Auction. Just imagine having to social distance in the Vatican City where it’s only 0.44 sq km in the area compared to .52 sq km of the building. Maps really do bring out the absurdity of how we as a human race decide whose land belongs to who.
18) The Surface Of Mars If 71% Of Surface Area Was Covered By Water
For all the space geeks out there, make sure to check out this awesome version of Mars covered in water. The gaseous green you see is the land that would remain afloat. Better claim your real estate fast before property taxes go up in 2035!
19) Europe-U.S. Superhighway Proposed By The Former President Of Russian Railways
This would’ve been the best thing invented since sliced bread. The capabilities of this mode of transport would definitely increase international travel and trade to new heights never before seen. Can you imagine having breakfast in Times Square and later having dinner by the Big Ben clocktower in London?
20) Decline Of Native Irish Speakers
This one is a bit sad once you realize this was due to war and genocide. In only 200 years a lot has drastically changed with the native Irish tongue. A constant reminder that maps can show us a glimpse of the past and how far we’ve come after those events. In truth, they act like history lessons waiting to be uncovered by our naked eye.
21) World’s CO Emissions
Eye-opening should be the header for this map. The dark, fume looking clouds represent more concentrated CO emissions that are contributing to the disintegration of the ozone layer. China looks to be one of the countries needing to restructure their industries in order to minimize on some of the extremely large concentrations coming out of the country.
22) Locations Johnny Cash Claims To Have Been In “I’ve Been Everywhere”
Johnny Cash is a man of many myths, but one that caught our eye is all the amazing places he’s claimed to have been. The man is truly from a different era and this is just more reason to add to his great legacy. The one place he seemed to miss was none other than the beautiful state of Montana!
23) Chinese Tea Trade Via Silk Roads
Maps tend to show very revealing things about particular places. This one is no exception as it displays the tea routes used by China during the Silk Roads. One thing to note: Portugal didn’t receive it’s tea by land, but rather via sea!
24) Passenger Railway Networks 2020
A good way to represent the modern advancement of technology in our transportation systems. North America and Australia have a lot to learn, while Europe and South East Asia have this rail business down pack. This is another example of how maps can be utilized to show different frameworks that affect societies across landscapes.
25) Pedestrians Across Europe
This is a simple way of displaying pedestrian traffic across Europe. People tend to be moving more westerly if you look at the map in broader terms. The real question: is anyone moving at all in Poland? The only way to find out is by going and seeing for yourself!
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