Map Chat: Representation in Maps Matters
You would be surprised by how often a state or country is left off a map entirely when it should be included.
Maps are fun, right? I mean, I like maps so obviously I believe that. You’re subscribed to this newsletter - or at least visiting it in your spare time - so I can only assume that you also believe that maps are fun. But for some people, they can be a place of aggravation, even if only slightly. This is because there are certain places in the world that routinely get left off maps consistently. For USA maps, Alaska and Hawaii get left off often enough. Puerto Rico is even more common. Guam, US Virgin Islands, American Somoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands I would argue are almost always left off any map of the United States, despite there being US citizens who live on them.
The map above I think does a great job of highlighting the issue (and with a bit of humor at that). The point here is that Alaska and Hawaii are frequently left off maps of the United States and with this map, the author decides to make a point of it by leaving out other states that are almost always included. In fact, I bet you didn’t even notice that there were states missing at a cursory glance of this map. For example: did you notice that Pennsylvania (not a small state mind you) is missing? Probably not unless you’re from there.
There’s another place that is a frequent victim of this phenomena. Take a look at the map below and see if you can find it. Or rather not find it… 😏
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Figured it out yet? I’ll wait.
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It’s New Zealand! Did you notice? Be honest. Anyway, New Zealand is frequently left off maps even when its about a subject where they are very much a center of the conversation. New Zealand has been lauded for its COVID fighting efforts and ability to stave off the virus while much of the rest of the world fell victim. And yet, even being so involved in these daily conversations, they got left off the map.
So, all that’s to say is, be mindful when you’re making a map and don’t leave off people or places that should be included. Inclusion goes a long, long way. And I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve made these mistakes before.
Happy mapping!