Every map makes a choice
Western's map conversation is a reminder that the tool should follow the question, not the other way around.
A map can look authoritative while quietly shaping what viewers think is near, large or important. The discussion of Mercator and Equal Earth makes that design choice visible.
That is the larger lesson: tools do not simply carry information. They frame the world, and the frame deserves to be questioned.
Chapter 05 · Arts & CultureRead it in the issue →
