Introducing the Equal Earth Projection Presenter: Tom Patterson, US National Park Service Copresenters: Bojan Savric, Esri; Bernhard Jenny, Monash University The Equal Earth map projection is a new equal-area pseudocylindrical projection for world maps. It looks similar to the widely used Robinson projection, but unlike the Robinson projection, retains the relative size of areas. Continental outlines are shown in a visually pleasing and balanced way. Equations are simple to implement and fast to evaluate. We introduce the Equal Earth projection as a response to the recent wave of news stories about the unfortunate switch of Boston Public Schools to the Gall-Peters. To encourage adoption, we will release a world political map in the Equal Earth projection online free of charge.
Evolution of Map Design at National Geographic Presenter: Matt Chwastyk, National Geographic Maps are integral to the story telling in National Geographic Magazine. As the narratives told became more diverse and accessible, answering the mandate to "increase and diffuse geographic knowledge," cartographic design at the Society also evolved. Surveying the last 130 years of mapping at National Geographic, we will examine how design and content have changed over time as new technologies and capabilities were integrated. The recent redesign of the monthly has also opened new unique avenues of journalism using maps.
How to Play with Maps Presenter: Ross Thorn, UW-Madison Cartographic design guidelines are traditionally grounded in the concept of work, striving for optimal efficiency and effectiveness when accomplishing tasks. However, some maps are designed to facilitate play and adhere to game design principles that create a challenging, yet satisfying experience. Video games often provide in-game maps to help players navigate through and make sense of these increasingly complex geographies. This session discusses common characteristics of playful maps, how these characteristics overlap with traditional cartographic design tenets, and how one grad student convinced his department to buy hundreds of dollars worth of video games.
Mapping the fiery chaos of the 1968 riots Presenter: Lauren Tierney, The Washington Post Following the news of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.s’ assassination on April 4, 1968, rioting exploded throughout Washington, D.C., leaving 13 dead and more than 900 businesses damaged. For the 50th anniversary, The Washington Post mapped the extent of the rioting throughout the city, plotting data compiled from declassified Secret Service reports and archival city planning documents. Specific topics in this presentation will include the initial sketch and design steps, the visualization of archival data, and the reworking of the digital piece for print.
