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Since the last time we wrote about Terrible Maps, a project that is dedicated to sharing maps no one asked for or needs, they've kept themselves rather busy. So it's only natural we created a follow-up article about the cartographers who are so bad, they're actually good. After all, what is the Internet for if not to poke fun at politics and our geographical illiteracy?

From hilarious guides on how to find the state of Kentucky to showing how many Switzerlands fit in Brazil, continue scrolling and check out these gems and tell us which one would you hang on your office wall!

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OK. We can clearly see these are bad maps. But how to know you're looking at a good one? Brant Scheidecker, a sales engineer at Cartegraph, highlighted some of the main essentials for accurate and easily interpretable map use.

"Every map should have a title. It allows the user to assess the purpose of the map quickly; allowing them to determine if it meets their needs," Scheidecker wrote.

Next, origin. A fancy name for a compass or the North arrow. "This allows the user to determine the maps reference to the earth. While most maps these days have North being straight up, occasionally you will encounter a map that has a skewed orientation, perhaps to better fit it on the physical medium it's presented on (i.e. paper), or simply because it’s easier to interact with the map in that orientation."

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aaronw avatar
Aaron W
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dammit, I'm going to see this every time I look at a US map now. Thanks, Bored Panda.

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When it comes to the source, it's a two-fold element. "It allows the map maker to provide the map viewer an idea where the data the map is representing is from; a necessity in determining the accuracy of a map. It also allows the map maker a way to cite the source of their data, avoiding all those pesky cries of plagiarism and the ensuing lawsuits," Scheidecker explained. "You have better uses for your time, like ensuring the rest of the T.O.S.S.L.A.D. elements are on your maps."

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Let's not forget the legend (the area where a user can determine what a particular color or symbol represents on the map). "Without a legend, a user cannot successfully interpret what your map is trying to represent, 'Does the red skull and crossbones over my favorite restaurant mean what I think it means?'"

You should also know when was the map that you're analyzing made. If it was created in 1962 and shows commuter levels in Chicago—it might not be such a valid source for the traffic data you are looking for today, unless you are feeling nostalgic, Scheidecker joked.

There you have it. You may now have become a cartographic genius, but you should be able to tell if you're looking at a terrible map or not!

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evelynluise-katharinahinz avatar
Evelyn Luise-Katharina Hinz
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Because Spitsbergen is part of Norway and Iceland is another country would be my explaination. But then it doesn't make sense that Denmark is green but Greenland -which is part of Denmark- isn't.

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Michael Se
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The "American Dream" is a joke. And 99% of us aren't laughing.

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John Baker
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"They call it the American dream because you have to be asleep to believe it." ~ George Carlin

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Ami Temi
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Very accurate, but Iceland and New Zealand should be included!

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Enuya
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, yeah, tell me more about achieving *any* dream in Poland right now...

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Kines Tezja
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't know, I achieved 2 really big dreams in Poland. Not right now-now, but in general.

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Nia Loves Art
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3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Really? ALL of those European countries. I’m a bit suspicious.

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Astrid Nineor
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Without further ado, here are the top places to live according to the United Nations' Human Development Report, in ascending order: Norway Switzerland Australia Ireland Germany Iceland Sweden Hong Kong Singapore The Netherlands https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/best-countries-to-live-in

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Jace
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Incorrect. It’s supposed to be that anyone from anywhere can become a success and prosper in America, so long as they “work hard”. It’s b******t promoted by survivorship bias & propaganda.

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Marcella Antal
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hungary... well, seems legit, if the american dream is a nightmare.

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elfin
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's because America has a nightmare going on: Minority rule by trump and corrupt Repubs.

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Jamie S. Martindale
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey - add New Zealand! (Did you not see the map above about how important NZ is?!)

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Kalis VarKrom
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have been to some of these Countries, but they do not have what I like about America.

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J. Kasilo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Check the number of "immigrants" going to all those countries compared to America & you will see what country is the best - people are dying to get to America...

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Vicki Perizzolo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yup- that looks right - especially with our 'idiot in charge' still in the WH

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Gipsy Kings fan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sadly, this is too true these days. Yet, persecuted people from some of the "gray" countries on this map still seek political asylum in the U.S. -- not in Europe, Canada, Australia, or Japan. I recently saw a TV documentary about young people from Africa and the Middle East who feared for their lives in their own countries, because they are gay. They all fled to the U.S. to apply for asylum. Volunteer organizations help them find housing and help them through the asylum process.

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Peko
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Um... For obvious reasons there are a lot more African and Middle Eastern asylum seekers in Europe. Germany by itself takes in more per year than the US. The people in that documentary may have gone to the US but don't kid yourself into thinking that's where the majority goes.

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Raphael Biock
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lol. Luxembourg, the richest country by income per inhabitant is not green.

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Elijah Snow
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You United Staters... For your information, "America" is the whole thing, from Greenland to the Caribbean to Tierra del Fuego.

johnbaker avatar
John Baker
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For the edification of the pedantic dimwits who can't resist repeating this inanity every goddamn time the US is a subject of discussion, we know that. We, and most of the rest of the world, refer to the US simply as "America" as a matter of convenience. It's just less awkward.

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Denise Stanley
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why is NZ not green? That’s right because the American dream sucks

johnbaker avatar
John Baker
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It isn't green because it's been bought up by American billionaires who are now the only people who can afford to live there.

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Marcella Schechter
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Living in Canada is definitely not the Ametican dream. Long waits for "free" healthcare. 50%+ taxes brackets to pay for everyone's everything free. Super expensive, limited food. No thanks

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Vorknkx
Community Member
3 years ago

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Plot twist: Many of these countries have socialism - something that many Americans are scared of ;)

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Nia Loves Art
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

None of these countries actually have socialism, except under a weird American definition of it.

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lara
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3 years ago

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BS. This is so full of c**p it should be brown.

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plush n puppet shenanigans
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3 years ago

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im probably going to get hate for this since bored panda hates Americans but i would much rather live in America because i prefer how life is in America compared to the other countries on the map.

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Rosanna Jackson
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You ever been to any other countries? You ever looked up health care services, employment, racism, education, equity in social classes, or so many other factors? All that aside, this map is just representative of where it is specifically easiest to achieve life, (health care would be a priority), liberty (not for profit prisons would be a priority) and the pursuit of happiness (equity, job security and opportunities across economic divisions). The highlighted Nations have their own issues, but it would still be easier to achieve this "American Dream".

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Bill Newsome
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3 years ago

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Beg to differ. Pick an ethnic group. ANY ethnic group and compare to the US. That is why the US is still the top spot for immigrants. It is ironic that all those wonderful socialist paradises are still gray. Capitalism rules baby.

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Kesam
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm an immigrant in "aesthetically tasteless" country and I totally agree! :D

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Kesam
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always knew Brazilians are brainy. (But wait, what does that make northwestern Canada??)

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Shelp
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Belgium imports a lot of electricity from France. I wouldn't be surprised if this particular power plant mainly produced electricity for the Belgian market

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karla Meixnerová
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No surprise, if the person with this opinion is a believer, that the Earth is flat...

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Rabbit Carrot
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nah. We see a giant a*s bible for most of those middle states. Oh and guns. Lots and lots of guns.

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Sadie Shapiro
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i don't even want to try saying that one. you know which one I'm talking about.

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Jayne Kyra
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3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

According to my dots in MS Paint over each: 132. Might be wrong, but I am not doing it again. EDIT: Did it again and Beto River is right, I missed 10 at some point. Thank you Beto!

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Oathbraker
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I understand mistaking it with Iraq or Afghanistan, but how the f**k did they go to Africa and the Balkans? A couple are even in the UK, for crying out loud.

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Note: this post originally had 150 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.