What Is Gleason’s Map?
Gleason's New Standard Map of the World is a historic map created in 1892 by Alexander Gleason. It uses the Azimuthal Equidistant Projection, centered on the North Pole, which gives the world a circular appearance.
Key Features
- North Pole at the center
- Continents arranged in a circular layout
- Antarctica appears as a ring around the edges
- Distances are accurate only from the center
- Distortion increases toward the outer areas
Why Is It Popular?
This map is widely shared today because:
- It looks similar to modern flat Earth maps
- It has a unique circular design
- It is often used in online discussions and debates
However, this popularity comes from misinterpretation, not its original purpose.
How the Projection Works
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The Azimuthal Equidistant Projection:
- Preserves distances from the center (North Pole)
- Maintains direction from the center
- Distorts shapes and distances elsewhere
This projection is still used today in polar navigation and mapping.
Common Misconceptions
- ❌ “It proves Earth is flat”
- ❌ “Antarctica is a wall”
- ❌ “Distances are correct everywhere”
✔ Reality: It is simply a flat representation of a spherical Earth.
Final Thoughts
Gleason’s New Standard Map of the World is a fascinating historical map and a great example of how projections can change how we view the planet. It’s best understood as a cartographic tool, not evidence of a flat Earth.