Mercator projection - totally blew my mind
 

somewhat embarrassed to admit I had no idea about this until my daughter showed me this past week-

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1756346260.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1756346278.jpg

Yea, the average map shows Greenland as a lot bigger than reality.

There are several different mercators.

https://vividmaps.com/mercator-projection/

Maybe the Canada as 51st state and Annex Greenland things are based on a Mercator misunderstanding?

I remember 5th grade, it was a good year.

Two things helped me understand the misrepresentation. First, we had a globe in our elementary school classroom (1 room, P - 6). The globe sat on the table directly in front of our row of seats. Comparing that with the Mercator projection on the wall made me aware of shortcomings in a system developed for ocean navigation. The second thing was National Geographic had published an equal area projection around the mid sixties. Perhaps because of those two things the current "revelations " about bias in the old Mercator projection system strikes me rather like someone complaining that their hammer won't cut wood.

so it was just me huh?

well somebody had to be the last one to find out!

Once she gets past the first bit (which actually does harbor some pertinent info) this video actually has some great info on the mercator projection.

<iframe width="1280" height="720" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D3tdW9l1690" title="A Strange Map Projection (Euler Spiral) - Numberphile" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Well played diffusing the projecting of that Shaun guy. (Edit: oldE as well - lol)

FWIW: Shaun, that oven thermometer works great we talked about in the pizza thread. Thanks!

Some times 5th grade was just a good year Bob, but someone had to point to a doll I'm guessing. :D

Glad to hear it worked for you. I've gone through a few and this one is the best.

A knifing from Shaun is earned and fair play. Won't lie though the one from OldE hurt a bit! Probably more so because it took me about 30 seconds to figure out i was being stuck.

So as it turns out you CAN make some judgements about the kids who were always sitting in the back row of the classroom.

Tell you what though second time around i'm gonna be half decent at several things.

I like the Mercator topic. I remember the Greenland comparison to Africa from whenever I first learned about it but your comparison picture really opened my eyes.

I will say I have received one pancake on a bunny pic and one pancake on a turtle pic (thanks Steve). They left scars but we must carry on.

I will hoist a glass to your thread tonight.