UN general assembly backs equal-area map projection resolution
The United Nations General Assembly adopted a non-binding resolution encouraging governments and organisations to use world maps that better represent continental area, in a vote of 164 in favour, one against and six abstentions. Spearheaded by Togo and backed by the African Union and the #CorrectTheMap campaign, the text promotes the Equal Earth equal-area projection introduced in 2018 while explicitly not banning the Mercator projection, which remains useful for navigation. Immediate consequences include plans by Togo to revise school geography materials, France's announcement to use the Eckert IV projection for some purposes, and pressure on international organisations and technology companies to consider alternatives.
UN resolution encourages use of equal-area map projections
Context
The Mercator projection was created for navigation in 1569 and it distorts area away from the equator. Togo led a campaign backed by the African Union and secured UN support, and countries may now review school materials and organisational…
The full analysis
19 dimensions on this story — world impact, market read, and what happens next.
- Full ContextLocked
- Affected SectorsLocked
- Stock ImpactLocked
- Economic IndicatorLocked
- Investor RelevanceLocked
- Professional RelevanceLocked
- Watch PointsLocked
- Probability of ChangeLocked
- Debate PointsLocked
- Historical ParallelLocked
- Follow-up QuestionsLocked
- Pros & ConsLocked