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50 Terrible But Funny Maps That You Wouldn’t Find In A Geography Book (Best Of All Time)
Interview With Expert
Most of us, if not all, are aware of what a typical map looks like. It usually represents a part of the Earth, showing the locations of countries, cities, and natural landmarks like rivers and mountains, as well as man-made features like roads and buildings.
However, some cartographers try to mix it up and stray from the norm, creating not-so-conventional maps that, at first glance, have no usefulness at all. How many Switzerlands fit in Brazil and tomato Europe vs. potato Europe are just a few examples awaiting you on the best-of-all-time list of Terrible Maps. Scroll down to find them, and don’t forget to upvote the ones you think failed at geography the most!
Bored Panda also reached out to cartographer and designer Liz Cox, who kindly agreed to answer a few questions about all things maps.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
james stevenson 1 year ago
Fun fact: Much of the southern states of the united states of america used to be part of Mexico. So Texans complaining about foreigners in "their" country are really misinformed
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When asked what inspired her to become a cartographer, Liz told us, “I have always been a right-brained, creative person and was set on pursuing music and creative writing. I was also obsessed with geography, memorizing random facts about different countries and learning about new cultures around the world was my nerdy fun (I used to even paint teeny flags on my toenails).”
#4
BC 1 year ago
This is, sadly, why when we teach human geography and economics in Australia we don’t include the USA as a comparable or ‘like’ nation anymore. Oh, and our Kiwi cousins should be on the list. (But we invented the pav… 😘)
Abel 1 year ago
I am Spaniard and I have my doubts. The prices for buying or even renting a home are skyscrapping high. Some offers are like a joke.
BeesEelsAndPups 1 year ago
I am uncertain what the "American Dream" is according to this map? Is it buying a home? Do people in other countries not dream of economic stability? I'm an old Brazilian, so I'd say the Brazilian Dream is to have a home, a full belly, and full heart. But in my country social mobility is difficult. If you're from a middle-class family, you will likely remain so (although that keeps getting harder). But for the poor? Although the last time Lula was president millions were lifted out of poverty, and we had a massive increase in entrepreneurship. Socialists are surprisingly good at capitalism.
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Samsquatch & Monko 1 year ago
I love Canada, although the housing prices suck and you have to wait three months for a doctor’s appointment, and also there’s a bit of a doctor shortage, it’s nice here and we don’t have like 16828282939 school shootings every day…
Roland Nijveld 1 year ago
Pretends to be shocked.... And funny enough, alot of Americans will be 🤣
Aine 1 year ago
Impossible to survive? We seem to be doing ok in my neck of the woods…
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“Undiagnosed ADHD had me bouncing around from interest to interest most of my life. Cartography was never something I planned to get into, but it was the perfect fit for my neuro-spicy brain. I get to continually learn about new places, use a ton of creativity and love of graphic design, and challenge myself with analytical skills. It's really the perfect fit for me,” Liz fondly shared.
It turns out the terrible maps with a pinch of humor are not only enjoyed by an occasional passerby but also by the specialists themselves. “I LOVE the Terrible Maps account and am so excited to buy the book,” Liz tells us.
#12
That's going to look stupid in 60 million years
“After stressful days digging through unorganized data for mapping, sending co-workers some of these map memes is the best way to lighten up the environment. I am never disappointed with the newest "Terrible Map." I love seeing the dad-humor-infused maps and think we could all use a LOT more giggling in our lives!”
#14
Jeff White 1 year ago
This is closer. For a non-U.S. person, Florida and Disney World are one in the same.
#15
Pandemonium 1 year ago
And like, all rivers eventually flow into the ocean, man, so like, all the waters of this big blue marble are connected. Whooooooaaaa.
The book Liz talks about is Terrible Maps: Hilarious Maps for a Ridiculous World. It’s Michael Howe’s child of labor—the guy behind the Terrible Maps social media project. Online, it's described as the ultimate gift book for budding geographers or anyone who wants to have a laugh.
So if you prefer having a physical book related to your interests it might be worth checking out. “Ever wondered about the average jean colour across the United States? Or what ‘pedestrians’ look like in Denmark? What unites Brokenwind, Upton Snodsbury and Crackpot? And have you ever tried to take a train in Antarctica? Well, Terrible Maps is the book for you!” the description further reads.
Liz describes these particular maps by saying, “I think a terrible map that fits into this specific realm is all about the factual display of data with the perfect twist of wit and absurdity.”
But if we’re talking about a terrible map intended for actual professional use, Liz believes that incorrect information, bad data, poor analysis, and horrid design skills can greatly contribute to a map becoming user-unfriendly and even unusable.
To check out how the opposite of terrible maps looks, make sure to check out our previous publications about the most informative maps that weren’t taught in schools.
#37
#39
Map of earth if there was no land
#42
#44
Europe but if Europe colonized it
#54
#58
Map of Roman air bases in 2nd century ad
John Dilligaf 1 year ago
Historical fact - Romans were very good at camouflaging their air bases. Which is why they cannot be ;located on this map.
#61
2,066 Americans were asked to point out Ukraine on a map
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What do you think ?
BringMeMyDragons 1 year ago
These were just as funny as I remember them... From the last time they did this list recently 🤨😐😶
Jaya 1 year ago
BP is like a young toddler: "People laughed when I said this joke, I should say it again and again and again"
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Tina Marie 1 year ago
I remember when BP was more about fun than spreading and fueling hate speak
Apatheist Account2 1 year ago
Some are interesting, but I could do without the pointless ones (Roman air bases etc).
PFD 1 year ago
It's the Terrible Maps Twitter account. It's 95% silly jokes and light trolling. It's called "Terrible Maps" not "Unusual Maps" for a reason.
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BringMeMyDragons 1 year ago
These were just as funny as I remember them... From the last time they did this list recently 🤨😐😶
Jaya 1 year ago
BP is like a young toddler: "People laughed when I said this joke, I should say it again and again and again"
Load More Replies... Tina Marie 1 year ago
I remember when BP was more about fun than spreading and fueling hate speak
Apatheist Account2 1 year ago
Some are interesting, but I could do without the pointless ones (Roman air bases etc).
PFD 1 year ago
It's the Terrible Maps Twitter account. It's 95% silly jokes and light trolling. It's called "Terrible Maps" not "Unusual Maps" for a reason.
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