What Is Gleason’s Map?
Gleason's New Standard Map of the World is a historic world map published in 1892 by Alexander Gleason. It uses the Azimuthal Equidistant Projection, centered on the North Pole, giving the map its distinctive circular layout.
Key Features
- North Pole at the center
- Continents arranged in a circular pattern
- Antarctica appears as a ring around the edges
- Distances are accurate only from the center
- Distortion increases toward the outer edges
Why Is It Popular?
This map is widely shared today because:
- It visually resembles modern flat Earth maps
- The circular design is unique and eye-catching
- It is often used in online debates and discussions
However, its popularity comes mainly from misinterpretation, not its original purpose.
How the Projection Works
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 mapping and navigation.
Common Misconceptions
- ❌ “It proves Earth is flat”
- ❌ “Antarctica is a wall”
- ❌ “Distances are accurate everywhere”
✔ Reality: It is 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 work. It’s best understood as a cartographic tool, not evidence of a flat Earth.