The Greatest Myths, Lies, and Blunders on Maps: An Exploration of Cartographic Errors Through Time

Maps are indispensable tools for navigation, exploration, and understanding our world. They have been used for centuries to chart the course of history and document the wonders of the natural world. However, even the most accurate maps are not immune to errors, and throughout history, a number of myths, lies, and blunders have crept onto maps, leading to confusion, misunderstanding, and even conflict.

In this article, we will explore some of the most famous and fascinating map errors ever made. We will learn about the mythical islands that once adorned maps of the world, the cartographic blunders that led to wars, and the surprising ways that maps have been used to deceive and mislead.

The Phantom Atlas: The Greatest Myths, Lies and Blunders on Maps

by Edward Brooke-Hitching

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Mythical Islands

One of the most common types of map errors is the inclusion of mythical islands. These islands often originated from sailors' tales or legends, and they were often depicted on maps as large, lush, and inviting. However, in reality, these islands did not exist, and their inclusion on maps led to a number of problems.

One of the most famous mythical islands is the island of Hy-Brasil. This island was first reported by Irish monks in the 14th century, and it was said to be a paradise where time stood still and the inhabitants lived in peace and harmony. Hy-Brasil was depicted on maps for centuries, and many sailors attempted to find it, but no one was ever able to locate the island.

Another famous mythical island is the island of Atlantis. This island was first described by the Greek philosopher Plato in the 4th century BC. Plato wrote that Atlantis was a large and prosperous island that was located in the Atlantic Ocean. However, Atlantis was destroyed by a cataclysmic earthquake and tsunami, and it has never been found.

The inclusion of mythical islands on maps led to a number of problems. Sailors who were searching for these islands often wasted their time and resources, and they sometimes even lost their lives. In addition, the presence of mythical islands on maps made it difficult for sailors to accurately navigate the seas.

Cartographic Blunders

In addition to mythical islands, maps have also been marred by a number of cartographic blunders. These blunders have often been caused by errors in measurement, drawing, or printing. In some cases, cartographic blunders have even led to wars.

One of the most famous cartographic blunders is the so-called "Miller Projection." This projection was created by the American geographer John Miller in 1942. The Miller Projection is a conformal projection, which means that it preserves the correct shapes of landmasses. However, the Miller Projection also distorts the size of landmasses, making some countries appear larger than they actually are.

The Miller Projection has been used on a number of world maps, including the world map that is used by the United Nations. The use of this projection has led to a number of misunderstandings and conflicts. For example, the Miller Projection makes Africa appear to be much smaller than it actually is, which has led some people to believe that Africa is not as important as other continents.

Another famous cartographic blunder is the so-called "Treaty of Tordesillas." This treaty was signed in 1494 between Spain and Portugal. The treaty divided the world into two spheres of influence, with Spain getting the west and Portugal getting the east. However, the treaty was based on a faulty map, and it gave Spain control of a large portion of South America that actually belonged to Portugal.

The Treaty of Tordesillas led to a number of conflicts between Spain and Portugal. In 1500, the Portuguese explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral landed in Brazil, which was supposed to be part of Spain's sphere of influence. Spain protested, but Portugal refused to give up the land. The two countries eventually went to war over the issue, and the conflict lasted for several years.

Maps and Deception

In addition to errors and blunders, maps have also been used to deceive and mislead. In some cases, maps have been used to support political claims or to justify wars. In other cases, maps have been used to hide information or to create a false sense of security.

One of the most famous examples of a map being used to deceive is the so-called "Madison Map." This map was created by James Madison in 1787. The map was used to support Madison's plan for a new government for the United States. The map showed the United States as a large and powerful country, even though it was actually a small and weak country at the time.

The Madison Map was used to convince people to support Madison's plan for a new government. The map made the United States look more powerful than it actually was, and it helped to create a sense of national pride among Americans.

Another famous example of a map being used to deceive is the so-called "Hitler Map." This map was created by Adolf Hitler in 1939. The map showed Germany as a large and powerful country, even though it was actually a small and weak country at the time.

The Hitler Map was used to justify Hitler's plans for war. The map made Germany look more powerful than it actually was, and it helped to create a sense of national pride among Germans.

Maps are powerful tools that can be used to inform, educate, and inspire. However, maps are also subject to errors, blunders, and deception. Throughout history, a number of myths, lies, and blunders have crept onto maps, leading to confusion, misunderstanding, and even conflict.

It is important to be aware of the potential for errors and deception on maps. We should not blindly trust maps, and we should always be critical of the information that they contain. By understanding the history of map errors, we can avoid being misled by them and we can use maps to better understand our world.

Further Reading

• The Greatest Blunders in Mapmaking: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/10-greatest-blunders-in-mapmaking-18257236/
• The History of Cartographic Blunders: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/cartographic-blunders-history
• Maps and Deception: https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2013/02/maps-and-deception/273071/

The Phantom Atlas: The Greatest Myths, Lies and Blunders on Maps

by Edward Brooke-Hitching

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	76763 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	257 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE