Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
maps. Better still, Ihave a pair ofCD-ROMs that contain a virtual map encyclopedia. By comparison,
globes are very inefficient when it comes to data storage. (Besides, it's very difficult to walk around
carrying a globe and look cool at the same time.)
How serious are these disadvantages? So serious that you'll need to amend a pearl of wisdom you
learned as a kid. Honesty is the best policy except when it comes to globes. Globes are truthful, but
the truth in this case comes at a very high and bulky price.
Telling the truth, but telling it slanted
It's certainly true that geography seeks to provide accurate information about Earth. It's also true that
flat maps are inaccurate and therefore counterproductive to the pursuit of truth — at least in a limited
sense. But the four disadvantages of globes are so serious that geographers prefer dispensing with
honesty (globes) and using flat maps even though they lie. Indeed, those disadvantages of globes may
be recast as advantages of flat maps:
Unlimited field of view:
You can show as much or as little of Earth as you want on a flat
map.
Low cost:
Flat maps cost much less than globes. In fact, a good-sized atlas containing hun-
dreds of maps may cost less than a single globe.
Accommodates detail:
Want to show a small area in great detail? Not a problem on a flat
map.
Efficient data storage:
You can fold up a flat map and put it in your pocket. Or you can
put the equivalent of a hundred globes in a single atlas and carry it in your hand or stick it in
your backpack. Ever try carrying 100 globes?
The bottom line is that it's okay if flat maps lie, as long as you know you are being lied to and
understand the nature of the lie.
