Commonly Used Flat Earth Maps and Some Lesser-known but Equally Intriguing and Important Ones
The New Standard Map of the World by Gleason and the Polar Projection of the Earth are the top two flat earth maps that are widely used and cited. However, there are several other maps worth exploring due to their fascinating historical significance. This blog post will showcase seven such maps to introduce you to the world of flat earth cartography.
In subsequent posts, we will more thoroughly examine each individual map, but for the purposes of this post and as an introduction, the following will summarize our seven level earth map picks in no particular order.
NEW STANDARD MAP OF THE WORLD
Alexander Gleason (1827-1909)
Published 1892, USA
Probably the most well known flat earth map is Alexander Gleason's New Standard Map of the World. This Azimuthal equidistant projection of the world was originally published in 1892 and was one of the first maps that was introduced in the United States.
Azimuthal Equidistant Map of the Earth shows points on the map which are at proportionately correct distances from the center point, with all points on the map at the correct azimuth (direction) from the center point. This polar projection shows all meridians (lines of longitude) as straight, with distances from the pole represented correctly.
June & December solstice graphics are located at the bottom of the map that explains and demonstrates how the sun moves during these two time periods of the year. The map's instructions were located on the reverse of the original publication.
MAP OF THE SQUARE AND STATIONARY EARTH
Orlando Ferguson (1846-1911)
Published 1893, USA
Professor Orlando Ferguson was born on November 6, 1846 near Du Quoin Illinois and moved to the Dakota Territory in the early 1880s to later settle in hot Springs, South Dakota.
His Map of the Square and Stationary Earth is based on his Biblical world view and interpretation of the Bible. The image depicts the four angles guarding the four corners of the earth and places Antarctica as the outer circle/wall holding in the waters of the earth. Several scriptures have been included on the map with reference to over four hundred passages of Scripture that condemn the flying earth/globe theory.
NEW CORRECT MAP OF THE FLAT SURFACE STATIONARY EARTH
John Abizaid (1864-?)
Published 1920, USA
Abizaid's New Correct Map of the Flat Surface Stationary Earth, illustrates the author's theory of the earth as flat and demonstrates navigational movement. The map was originally published in 1920 and his descriptive key was originally printed on the reverse side of the map. Explanatory text was originally included in the reverse of this historical flat world map.
Although he doesn't depict continent borders in his illustration, he utilizes text to identify these land masses in their specific positions.
The intriguing map by Abizaid is frequently disregarded as a flat earth map due to its unconventional appearance.
MIDDLETON'S PIONEER MAP OF THE WORLD
Empson Middleton (1838-1916)
Published 1878, Great Britain
Middleton’s Pioneer Map of the World was a groundbreaking illustration that depicts the earth as being a plane with “The Region of Impassable Ice” encircling the earth’s oceans. Continents and countries have been outlined and he demonstrates the path of the sun through an ellipsoidal dashed line.
The upper left corner of the map is missing some data and all efforts to locate a fully intact image of this map has come up empty handed; although we suspect that somewhere in the libraries throughout England, there is most likely of full image of this intriguing cartographic wonder. Perhaps a flatearther across the pond could help us locate a full image?
Map Depictions/Notes: planar projection of the earth; countries and continents have been outlined in black; introductory paragraph (partial content); general information about the shape of the earth; and an appeal for Great Britain to declare war on Russia.
Empson Middleton's story may be the most fascinating of all flat earth cartographers; more to share in an up coming post.
POLAR AZIMUTHAL EQUIDISTANT PROJECTION OF THE EARTH
Daniel R. Strebe
Release on September 15, 2011
The Polar Azimuthal Equidistant Projection Map of the Earth might be the second most popular flat earth map and is a useful tool to demonstrate how the planar earth might look on a map. The first known map of this projection was believed to be Abu al-Biruni circa 1000. It's noteworthy to mention that this same projection of the world is used in the emblem/logo of the United Nations.
Maps notes: the world on azimuthal equidistant projection. 15 graticule, polar aspect. Imagery is a derivative of NASA's Blue marble summer month COMPOSITE with oceans lightened to enhance legibility and contrast.
'COMPOSITE' above: NASA's composite imagery is another full post topic for the future.
PHYSICAL PLANISPHERE MAP OF THE EARTH
Philippe Buache (1700 - 1773)
Published 1756, France
Buache's (France) captivating Physical Planisphere Map of the Earth, created this pioneering map depicting major mountain systems of the continents and how they connect and relate to the submarine mountain ranges. It is the first known map of the ocean floors.
Another captivating and pioneering map of its era, Buache's map illustrates the interconnected mountain range systems both on land and beneath the ocean's surface.
Map Depictions/Notes: northern polar projection of the earth; explanation of map colors (in French); the year and routes of several navigators is also shown. ADVENTURE iDIAZ has completed a rough translation from French to English of his text which surrounds his Physical Planisphere Map of the Earth.
SEPTENTRIONALIUM TERRARUM DESCRIPTIO
Arctic Circle Map;
Map of the Polar Arctic Region
Gerhard Mercator (1512 - 1594)
Published 1595, Burgudian Netherlands (modern Belgium)
Gerard Mercator's map of the Arctic region, Septentrionalium Terrarum Descriptio, is another first-of-its-kind in the world of cartography. Although Mercator is one of the world's most famous explorers, this map was published in 1595 by his son, Rumold, one year after Mercator’s death. His famous atlas, Atlantis Pars Altera, featured this first known and separate map of the North Polar Arctic region in the last of the three-part atlas. The map was modeled from an inset on Mercator’s 1569 world map.
The first map of the Polar Arctic Region, created by Mercator, showcases a prominent black mountain/rock at its center, encircled by four land masses. Four massive riverways emanate from the center, dividing these land masses.
Gerard Mercator faced the challenge of faithfully depicting the round globe on a flat surface. To address this problem, he created the famous Mercator Projection, which aimed to convert the globe into a two-dimensional map. Although this projection was useful for plotting straight routes, it led to distortions in the sizes of landmasses, especially near the poles.
Although Mercator did not hold the belief that the earth was a plane, it is a noteworthy work to consider given it's cartographic projection.
Dive into a world of wonder and intrigue with the ADVENTURE iDIAZ Flat Earth Map Collection! Each map is available in large and smaller formats. Embark on an extraordinary journey and historical discovery researching with Flat Earth Maps.
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