UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 5– The United Nations General Assembly voted on Friday to adopt a non-binding resolution that encourages the use of the Equal Earth cartographic projection in maps worldwide to replace the Mercator projection widely used so far, which distorts the sizes of continental landmasses.
The resolution of “Correct the Map” aimed at rebalancing global cartographic representation and promoting equitable representation of the world’s regions, particularly Africa, was adopted with 164 votes in favor, 1 against, and 6 abstentions.
The United States was the only member state that voted against it. Six countries — Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Moldova, Serbia, Ukraine — abstained.
Declaring that the Equal Earth cartographic projection offers a more accurate representation of the sizes of continental landmasses and, to this end, is a relevant option for improving the accuracy of the cartographic representation of the world, the resolution encourages UN member states, international organizations and other relevant entities to adopt, disseminate and use the Equal Earth cartographic projection and equal area map projection methods.
It recognizes that the Mercator projection, widely used around the world, distorts continental masses located far from the equator, resulting in a proportional shrinkage of Africa and other regions.
It affirms that cartographic distortions of continental sizes inherited from history have cognitive, educational, cultural, geopolitical and socioeconomic impacts and constitute historical biases, the correction of which will promote recognition, justice and development, particularly concerning the African continent.
The resolution further encourages the development of international standards aimed at ensuring more accurate representation of the sizes of continents in digital and printed mapping tools, in accordance with relevant UN frameworks. (Namibia Daily News / Xinhua)
