Almost all maps are oriented so that north is at the top, and east is to the right. If I were to guess why, I would say that some direction had to be at the top, and north is just as good as any other. The important thing is that maps agree with each other, to make is easier for us all to read. But the story is more complicated than that. It turns out that maps weren't always oriented the same way, and when they were, east was more likely to be at the top. Unless it was south. But it eventually became north, for a very logical reason that I should have thought of, as well explained by the Map Men.
There's a skippable 1:20-long ad at the four minute mark, plus unskippable ads. Then we learn about maps that don't quite follow the "north is up" convention for one reason or another, and why having a standard for maps is important. (via Damn Interesting)
PS: I have learned that "orientated" is the British equivalent of "oriented."
Check the seal on the UN flag, which displays the world as seen from above the North Pole (this is called an “azimuthal” polar projection, BTW), with 'SOUTH' radiating out in all directions – including 'up'.
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You got me (a Brit) confused about oriented/orientated but it turns out the latter is British English.
ReplyDeleteReally? Oh dear. I thought it was a modern affectation, like colorizing something instead of just coloring it. I need to make that clear. Thanks, Andy!
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