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50 Of The Most Interesting Maps Shared By This Online Community (New Pics)
Interview With Expert
As technology moves at the speed of light, we often hear that "there's an app for that." And while maps have been around for centuries, they've evolved to be more than just about navigation, or showing us where a place a place is. Nowadays, there are countless other maps that flip the script on how we see geography, culture, and history. Some challenge our assumptions. Others highlight hidden truths. Many teach us something we might not have known before. With the amount of maps available on paper and online, one could easily argue that "there's a map for that."
There's an online community dedicated to sharing the most interesting maps around. r/MapPorn has clocked up an impressive 5.9 million followers. They share fascinating and thought-provoking data in map form. Bored Panda has put together some of the most perspective-changing maps we could find on the page. Keep scrolling for a different kind of trip around the world and don't forget to upvote your favorites. We also spoke to cartophile and creator of Brilliant Maps, Ian Wright to learn more about how maps have evolved.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
The World Divided Into 4 Equal Parts
You might be old enough to remember the days we would keep a paper map in the cubby of the car. Many were massive, and needed to be carefully unfolded in order for us to see the whole picture, and figure out how to get from Point A to Point B. Of course, there were, and still are map books. A little less bulky but still require some "map-reading" and navigation skill on your part, or you risk ending up on the opposite side of where you're meant to be.
The kids of today will never know the struggles, or joy, of holding an old, worn-out paper map in their hands while setting off on a great adventure. Nowadays, your car or mobile phone speaks to you. As confident as a co-driver during the Dakar Rally. H**l, nowadays, you'll even know whether there's traffic, an accident, or a roadblock on your route. And exactly where it is, how to avoid it, how long the new route will take based on your traveling speed.
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#2
The Great Wall Of China vs. Europe
#3
Bathymetry Of Great Lakes
x6rkq946s6 4 weeks ago
This one is actually pretty cool. Bonus points for not being political.
The world has indeed come a long way since our ancestors carved maps on clay tablets. Researchers say the earliest known maps date back to ancient Babylon around 600 BCE. And back then, they were based on the belief that the earth was flat, and one wrong step could send you tumbling off into oblivion.
Today, we have people like Ian Wright. He's the founder of Brilliant Maps, one of the most popular cartographic sites on the internet. We were thrilled when the self-professed cartophile agreed to have a chat with Bored Panda about the importance of maps, and whether they serve a purpose in the digital age.
"Maps are important not only because they help us navigate and give us a sense of place in the world but they can be the starting point of new adventures," Wright told us. "Plus, they can also be used to explain the world in a very easy to understand way."
#4
What Antarctica Looks Like Without Ice
#5
70% Of Canadians Lives In 3 Areas
#6
How Many Hours Do Europeans Really Work?
Wright's interest in maps was sparked when he decided to walk London's Tube map - above ground. He then started looking more into what makes the Tube map unique. And later started sharing various maps he’d found on Twitter, the former bluebird app now known as “X”. Today, his account has more than 129,000 followers and over 16,000 posts. He’s branched out and built a successful business around his passion for maps.
"I love maps because I think they're one of the best ways to learn about the world," Wright told Bored Panda during our interview. "They remain one of the best tools to explain the world to people." And the proof is in the list of maps you see while scrolling through this list.
#7
H*******t Victims By Country
#8
Doctor’s That Can’t Refuse An Abortion In Europe
quentariel 4 weeks ago (edited)
In Finland (where abortions are legal) it is ofter a clause in a work contract if you work in hospitals that deal with pregnancies. Many bigger hospitals don't hire people refusing to do abortions. But the whole culture around it is less traumatic than in many other places. Free healthcare allows people to found out their pregnancies in really early stages, when the abortion can be done with a medicine. There's no protestors, and women get support no matter what they choose. Besides, because s*x-ed and readily available contaceptives, accidental pregnancies or teen pregnancies aren't too common.
#9
Africa In 10 Million Years
Lyone Fein 4 weeks ago
The split is startling. But otoh, the Sahara might actually be greener starting from its southern edge.
"Maps can tell us lots of things beyond just where things are! They can show us the weather patterns, like where storms might hit or sunny spots to visit," says the cartophile. "Maps can also track fun things like animal migrations, popular foods in different regions, and historical events. Pretty much, if you can imagine it, there's probably a map for it!"
#10
British English vs. American English: What’s Taught In Schools?
#11
The Hippie Trail, Where Western Hippies Travelled Throughout The 60s And 70s Usually To Consume D***s And Spiritual Awakening(Oc)
#12
People Who Believe The Government Is Hiding A Cure To Cancer
Mel in Georgia 4 weeks ago
There is no one cure for cancer. Cancer is many, many things and has many, many different causes.
Bored Panda asked Wright whether he thinks paper maps still have a place in the world. Or are they about to be dead and gone? "Interestingly, I was just at a conference and paper maps are still going strong," he told us. "But the key for them in the long term is to create something personal and unique to the map buyer. So while generic paper maps might be on the way out, personalised ones are likely to be with us for the long haul."
#13
Size Comparison Of European Microstates
#14
Countries Where More People Died Than Were Born During The Year 2024
#15
Freedom Of Press Rankings In Europe
Wright is best known as the founder of the Brilliant Maps site and the subsequent book. But his journey is just beginning. "Beyond continuing to run BrilliantMaps.com, I also have two more books in the works," he revealed. "The first is a sequel to my best-seller Brilliant Maps: An Atlas For Curious Minds and the second will be a geography based trivia game."
#16
Who Wants To Join Eu The Most?
#17
With Almost Every Vote Counted, Every State Shifted Toward The Republican Party
Mel in Georgia 4 weeks ago
People just want "different from what things are." The incumbent party tends to suffer because of this. Also - the Republican party is very, very good at creating anger and fear.
#18
A British Propaganda Poster Against Russia From The 1800's
Nowadays, every second kid has an iPad, they're caught up in the latest series or game, their parents use GPS and the world is hurtling towards a fully digital realm. So how do we keep children interested in maps? What do we do to ensure their survival?
"I think making it about them and their interests is key. Have a kid who loves dinosaurs, show them a map of Pangea," suggests Wright. "A kid who loves space, show them a map of the moon. A kid who loves Harry Potter show them a map of wizarding schools."
#19
68% Of Gaza Declared To Be Off-Limits To Gazans As Israel Expands Its Domination Of The Territory
Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het 4 weeks ago
F**k Hamas, but I support the Palestinians that are being forced out of their homes and off their land. I support peace and an end to violence. Israel needs to calm the f**k down.
#20
Here's Where W**d Is Legal In The Us
blixten1982 4 weeks ago
Just come up to Canada, weed is legal and sold in stores to anyone over 18 nation wide.
#21
U.S. Counties Where Life Expectancy Is Below That Of North Korea
Heir of Durin 4 weeks ago
I feel like a lot of these areas are reservations. :/ I know for sure the area in AZ and NM is the Navajo reservation.
#22
Where Did Jesus’s Disciples Go After This Picture:
Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het 4 weeks ago
Joseph off to the UK. He wants to get tanked up on stella with the lads down at 'spoons and then go for a ruby.
#23
Map Showing Countries Within Range Of Israel's Nuclear Missiles (Jericho III)
#24
How Many Cities Over 1 Million People Does Each Country Have?
#25
A Look At The Oldest Universities In Continuous Operation Across Europe
#26
Religion And Literacy Rate In Nigeria
#27
United States Counties Where Selling Of Alcohol Is Completely Prohibited
#28
Where Popes Were Born
#29
UK's Largest Immigrant Communities By Region
Lazy Panda 2 4 weeks ago
There's two main waves of Polish immigration into the uk. The first after WW2, in recognition of Poland's support to the UK during that time. The second is after Poland joined the EU and the UK was still a member.
#30
Vast Stretches Of The World Are Now Below The Replacement Rate. You Will Probably Live To See Humanity's Population Peak
Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het 4 weeks ago
I mean, given the world's population and the scarcity of resources like water, this is a good thing?
#31
European Countries By The Exact Shade Of Blue In Their Flag
#32
Second Biggest Religion In Every Us State
#33
Billionaires By Citizenship
#34
Which Of The 10 Largest Cities By Population Is Closest To You?
Multa Nocte 4 weeks ago
Don't show this to Trump or he will move everyone in the US to NYC just to show Mexico!
#35
Countries That Lost Forces Supporting U.S. Forces In Afghanistan
#36
Christianity In The Us By County
April Pickett 4 weeks ago
It's all of those Baptists in the South. There is a Baptist church for every belief, even if you're not Baptist.
#37
Area Of N**i Germany Control On The Day Of Their Official Surrender
#38
Country Names Compared To English
#39
Us States With A Ban On Construction Of Nuclear Power Plants
#40
Homeowners That Lock Their Doors In The U.S
x6rkq946s6 4 weeks ago
I’m in one of the 80% states, live in a middle class/lower middle class neighborhood bordering on some lower class areas. I’ve lived here for over 20 years and almost never lock my door. The number of times I’ve been the victim of a break-in, robbery or crime? Never. Not once. Crime rates are sensationalized to sell guns. I don’t own a gun and I feel safe. My neighbors and I are safer than society and the media would have us believe.
#41
Is It Legal To Drink Coffee While Driving?
mlef30 3 weeks ago (edited)
When I was very young, I thought, "drinking and driving" meant drinking ANYTHING while driving. I made my dad pull over to finish his coffee one morning because I was convinced he was breaking the law and would go to jail. Later, I learned the truth and felt silly. Now I feel vindicated! Granted, I live in the US, but still!! I"m gonna go tell my dad I saved him.
#42
Currencies In Europe
Rich Black 3 weeks ago
True fact - the Russian ruble has fallen to "one half cent" since Putin invaded Ukraine. Unlucky to be living off a pension there . . .
#43
The Most Common Blood Types In Europe, By Country
#44
Median Home Size In USA Compared To Parts Of Europe
#45
Germany's Largest Immigrant Communities By Region
Rali Meyer 4 weeks ago
Well, people from Turkey came as early as the 60s (without checking), to help in factories. And percentages would help
#46
S*****e Rates By Region In Italy
#47
If “Did Not Vote” Was A Party In The 2021 Canadian Federal Election
#48
Deception Island Near Antarctica Have Such A Straight Eastern Coast?
#49
Which City (In Your Country) Are You Most Ashamed Of?
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What do you think ?
GrammarPolice 4 weeks ago
Surprised BP never censored that, must be having a lazy day.
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GrammarPolice 4 weeks ago
Surprised BP never censored that, must be having a lazy day.
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