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If you’re a visual learner like we are, a good image helps you bring data to life. But if you ever stumbled across a great one, you know it can genuinely change how you see the world. And maps have that power. They are a surprisingly effective tool for understanding the world and giving us a peek into its secrets. By allowing us to explore novel places from the comfort of our own homes, they can even unlock our inner adventurer that’s been deep in winter’s sleep.

Today, we invite you on a journey through this informative corner of Reddit where cartography fans delve into the intriguing treasure trove of territories, statistics, and history. With over 1.9 million devoted members, this online community uncovers some of the freshest and finest maps in a bid to expand our mental horizons.

So let’s appreciate their efforts by scrolling down and devouring ourselves into the newest collection of captivating visualizations. Trust us, they won’t be anything like the ones you saw at school! Be sure to upvote your favorite ones and let us know if you enjoyed learning new things about places you may not have even known about before. For even more informational goodness, check out Bored Panda's earlier posts on this feature right here, here, and here.

#2

Map Lovers, I Recently Stopped For 30 Min In A Bookshop Checking Out This Maps Book. Love The Way Visual Information Sticks In Mind!

Map Lovers, I Recently Stopped For 30 Min In A Bookshop Checking Out This Maps Book. Love The Way Visual Information Sticks In Mind!

AutomaticLibrarian14 Report

#3

World Map Cantered On Antarctica

World Map Cantered On Antarctica

axeman_05 Report

The map-loving subreddit has been around for quite some time now, celebrating its 11th birthday just last month. This online group continues to be one of the strongest and biggest cartography powerhouses on the platform that amazes thousands of people every day by sharing high-quality images of exciting and novel maps, plans, and geographic illustrations. And sure, it may seem that some of the visuals posted there are pretty nerdy, but that doesn’t make them any less fascinating.

The creator of this online group, Patrick McGranaghan, described himself in a previous interview as a "Denver-based techno-geek with a focus on all things geospatial and cartographic and a coding hobbyist with an emphasis in geospatial applications." He is a land surveyor and a member of #maptime Denver, Rocky Mountain Map Society, NACIS, PLSC, Charles Close Society, and Open Street Map Foundation, just to name a few. He decided to share his passion with the world and start the project in May 2011 while living in Taiwan, and he never looked back.

#4

Countries Which Offer Paid Maternity Leave And The Time They Provide For Expecting Mothers

Countries Which Offer Paid Maternity Leave And The Time They Provide For Expecting Mothers

No_Negotiation_7176 Report

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grey galah
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ahh the US and health care - right up there with Papua New Guinea whose minimum wage is $51 usd

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#5

Every Purple Line Is A Bicycle Lane In The Netherlands

Every Purple Line Is A Bicycle Lane In The Netherlands

wouterk Report

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Wilko Lunenburg
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is the cycling heaven here. I admit that the country being flat as a pancake helps :-)

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#6

In Case You Didn't Know, Holland & The Netherlands Are Not Interchangeable

In Case You Didn't Know, Holland & The Netherlands Are Not Interchangeable

Initial_Trash Report

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Wilko Lunenburg
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm Dutch and I can tell you that most people in the Netherlands don't care if you refer to all of it as Holland. In fact I think that Holland sounds a little better than the Netherlands.

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Patrick revealed that while the subreddit was pretty stable in the past, everything changed the morning when the devastating news about Ukraine and the unprovoked and unjustified attack happening there broke out. "The subreddit usually has between 2,000 and 4,000 users at a given moment on a normal day. That number spiked to a peak of over 20,000 users looking for current maps of the situation there," he told Bored Panda.

#7

Difference Between Russia's Unfriendly List Last Year And Now

Difference Between Russia's Unfriendly List Last Year And Now

thegirlwithtwoeyes Report

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Robert T
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I kind of disappointed that there isn't more red in the 2022 map.

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#9

The Shape Of The World, According To Ancient Maps

The Shape Of The World, According To Ancient Maps

Ayman_alsh Report

When it comes to the way people think about cartography these days, the founder of the subreddit believes it is changing. "The previous generation was accustomed to paper maps that they used to navigate. This required skills in orientation and awareness that are no longer necessary with digital maps on mobile devices. Whilst there are lots of articles that eulogize the loss of these skills, I don't think it's necessarily all bad," he explained.

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Patrick pointed out that we’re seeing another shift in response to the digital age. "The digital generation has a heightened awareness of how maps can visualize data. The tools to make maps have been democratized. This has increased interest in finding new and clever ways to see spatial data."

#10

Percentage Of Population “Absolutely Certain” God Exists In Europe vs. Us

Percentage Of Population “Absolutely Certain” God Exists In Europe vs. Us

roi1099 Report

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Rachknits
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Isn't it odd that the county with most believers is also one of the worst for helping people less fortunate (eg US and healthcare), how does this make sense?!

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#11

Europe Used To Look Like This, Before It United

Europe Used To Look Like This, Before It United

Over9000Holland Report

#12

Russia Density Visualized

Russia Density Visualized

BrasilemMapas Report

The hottest trends in maps right now, according to him, are those that elucidate some sort of political understanding. "These can be maps of elections, voting districts, gerrymandering, political recognition, voting patterns, etc. Social media is engineered to spur controversy and this is most apparent in hot-button political topics. Politically themed content will garner more discussion, controversy, and comments than most other topics."

#13

The Red Areas Contain Half Of The Total Population Of Australia

The Red Areas Contain Half Of The Total Population Of Australia

padmanabhapillai Report

#14

Kid Friendly Curse Words

Kid Friendly Curse Words

atlasova Report

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#15

North Korean Election Result Of 2019

North Korean Election Result Of 2019

two_plus_two_is_zero Report

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Belandriel
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so ridiculous, it's beyond stupid... What a POS that fat, a*s-ugly son of a wh.... is.

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The founder of the sub revealed that he developed his burning passion for maps very early and feels extremely grateful to have an activity he loves doing every day. "My family traveled and moved around a lot. My dad taught me how to read maps and I would help him navigate. I used to flip through our Rand McNally atlas to pass hours traveling across the countryside," he told us.

"Maps are invitations to explore and visit new places. They give security in the knowledge that there's a way to get to your destination. If all else fails, a map will be your guide." This feeling that Patrick has carried in his mind throughout his life was what inspired him to create a strong and knowledgeable community where people can share their ideas and excitement about the subject.

#16

The Yuxi Circle: The World’s Most Overpopulated Area

The Yuxi Circle: The World’s Most Overpopulated Area

madrid987 Report

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oktopus
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Note: 4,000 km is the radius of the circle, not (as the positioning implies) the circumfrence. Greetings from its northeastern edge.

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#17

Country’s That Cannot Speak Any Foreign Language

Country’s That Cannot Speak Any Foreign Language

CraftyAcanthisitta22 Report

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Chewie Baron
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The problem with the UK is the teaching of languages. For decades it was always Latin. But the teaching I had trying to learn French and German always felt like I was juggling chainsaws on fire whilst being harassed by a very indignant goose.

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#18

The Most Popular Browsers In Different Countries In 2012 And 2022

The Most Popular Browsers In Different Countries In 2012 And 2022

theworldmaps Report

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boredpandaki
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would suspect that this is due to great increase of android phones, tablets that usually come with pre-installed chrome browser in combination to the great change in users' habits (we all use phones to browse rather than pcs). Of course, chrome is very fast in browsing...

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"I've noticed, especially as I've gotten older, that you only have so much time on this planet and every day that is wasted is a day that you'll never get back. If you want to get out and explore the world you just have to do it," Patrick added. "Some adventures will cost time and resources, but the real question I ask myself is can I afford not to do some goal I have my heart set on."

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He continued: "There are so many opportunities in this world that it may be hard to choose, but if you wait too long those opportunities will be gone forever."

#19

Countries Providing Humanitarian Aid To Ukraine

Countries Providing Humanitarian Aid To Ukraine

KungUnderBerget Report

#20

I Made A 3D Model Based On A 1660 Map Of New Amsterdam / New York

I Made A 3D Model Based On A 1660 Map Of New Amsterdam / New York

EdNotAHorse Report

#21

Is It A Crime To Knock On The Door And Run Away? (Source: UK Legislation Website - Metropolitan Police Act Of 1839)

Is It A Crime To Knock On The Door And Run Away? (Source: UK Legislation Website - Metropolitan Police Act Of 1839)

geographyfacts Report

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Grady'sRaider
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've read there was a time, before alarm clocks, when people relied on someone to come by and knock on their door to wake them for work. Fifty years ago I was told it was common at English inns, to be asked what time did you want to get knocked up in the morning, as you checked in..

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KJ
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I never got charged for it as a kid, er, not that I would partake in a game of knock door run of course.

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It's Izzy 🇺🇦 (They/Them)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am very disappointed - I reached my teenage years after everyone has gotten video doorbells.

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Kevin Garren
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Brits and Scots just don't want you wasting their time when they could be at the pub. :p

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Ash Seto
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It should be. Don’t wake me up in the night and expect me not to hunt you down once you pissed me off

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El Dee
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is incorrect for UK. The UK does NOT have one law to cover its entirety. The law mentioned covers England only..

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Kiwii Stone
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I got 'caught' for this as a teen (I rang a doorbell because it looked like the sound would be satisfying and there was a cop car behind me)

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The founder of the sub was kind enough to go in-depth about the wonderful world of maps and shared a few reasons people make them in the first place. "Sometimes for navigation, sometimes for showing statistical phenomena, and sometimes for fantasy," he said. "While artistic skill helps, it is not absolutely necessary. The important thing is to make it easy for users to glean useful information. Most maps should have a thesis or a story it is going to tell and this needs to be told through the map."

#22

Population Density Of Africa!

Population Density Of Africa!

symmy546 Report

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Chich
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was in Uganda and was amazed that there were people everywhere. Got talking to a local and mentioned I did search and rescue. In his experience he could not understand how you could get lost, all you had to do was ask someone where you were.

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#23

The State Of Global Democracy In 2022

The State Of Global Democracy In 2022

cambeiu Report

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Kathy Wilbourne
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think the US should rank a little lower based on how things have been going lat

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#24

The Usual Time Of Eating Dinner In Europe

The Usual Time Of Eating Dinner In Europe

kkaiOkkai Report

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Edurne
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm Spanish and I often go to England. their dinner is my afternoon snack :,)

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But for those devoted cartography fans who have an infinite number of creative ideas flowing in their minds and want to take their work to another level, he explained that a bit of work and skill is required to make their results look less "hasty and skeletal."

"It is not that they are bad," Partick said. "It's just that they don't know that they can make their maps so much better. I'm talking about things like fonts and information boxes, detail and vicinity maps, adding gradients to water features, thoughtful color choices, shadows behind place markers. The subtleties are what make maps exquisite."

#25

Traffic Fatalities, Eu vs. Us

Traffic Fatalities, Eu vs. Us

Repulsive_Narwhal_10 Report

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Ilsa Laszlo
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I live in a lighter green area, and we always have a lot of discussions on how our roads are dangerous. I can't imagine living in the red or grey areas. That is terrible!

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#26

Latitude Of World Cities Compared To Europe

Latitude Of World Cities Compared To Europe

cranberrycactus Report

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Kesam
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

From a European perspective, it always surprises me how far south everything is in North America and Asia. I would have guessed New York is on the same latitude as London. And Pyongyang and Beijing same as Oslo.

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#27

I Love How Africa's Third Longest River Takes Such A Long Route To Get To The Sea From The Source In Southern Guinea

I Love How Africa's Third Longest River Takes Such A Long Route To Get To The Sea From The Source In Southern Guinea

19neo91 Report

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Maria
Community Member
1 year ago

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"The best way to learn how to do these things is to look at lots of maps and see how other cartographers solve these problems. Imitate the masters. Read a few books on cartography and design. Some of the books that influenced me are Info We Trust by RJ Andrews, Cartography by Kenneth Field, and Things Maps Don't Tell Us by Armin Lobeck. If you can integrate the ideas in these books you'll be a league above the average amateur cartographer," he concluded.

#28

Europe Mapped By Trees Per Kilometre Squared (Tree Density)

Europe Mapped By Trees Per Kilometre Squared (Tree Density)

JuliusCheesy Report

#30

The Old Borders Of The German Empire Can Still Be Seen In Present-Day Polish Election Results

The Old Borders Of The German Empire Can Still Be Seen In Present-Day Polish Election Results

shruicanewastaken Report

#31

If Only 100 People Lived In Eu

If Only 100 People Lived In Eu

notnonneutral Report

#32

Wine Consumption In Europe

Wine Consumption In Europe

Landgeist Report

#33

Will You Be Offered Food When You Are A Guest

Will You Be Offered Food When You Are A Guest

barcased Report

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Yayheterogeneity
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hm, in Germany you are usually offered food. Was just thinking about how it is up north of Germany, can't really say but in middle and south you are offered!

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#34

Coffee Consumption In Europe

Coffee Consumption In Europe

Landgeist Report

#35

What War Is Currently Being Fought Near You?

What War Is Currently Being Fought Near You?

atlasova Report

#36

Punishment Of Breaking Blasphemy Law Around The World

Punishment Of Breaking Blasphemy Law Around The World

two_plus_two_is_zero Report

#38

Average Male Height In Europe 2022 (In Cm)

Average Male Height In Europe 2022 (In Cm)

takibouhnik Report

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François Carré
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tell me about those giant Dutch people roaming the aisles of my local supermarket in summer... yes I'm quite far below the average height in my country in case you wonder.

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#39

Price Of Full Tank Of Gasoline (60 L) As A Percentage Of Average Monthly Net Salary Across The World

Price Of Full Tank Of Gasoline (60 L) As A Percentage Of Average Monthly Net Salary Across The World

kiwi2703 Report

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Robert T
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When was this done? I suspect the whole world is a lot more orangey by today!

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#40

Where Europeans Lay Claim To Their Neighboring Countries

Where Europeans Lay Claim To Their Neighboring Countries

Upstairs_Yard5646 Report

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Eevi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Umm, in Finland there are definitely some people who think that the part that Russia took from us in WW2 belongs to us. (Karelia /Karjala)

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Note: this post originally had 128 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.