ADVERTISEMENT

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!

More info: Facebook | Instagram

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."

#2

Terrible Maps

TerribleMaps Report

Add photo comments
POST
aaronw avatar
Aaron W
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

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."

ADVERTISEMENT

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!

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
#11

Terrible Maps

TerribleMaps Report

#12

Terrible Maps

TerribleMaps Report

Add photo comments
POST
konstantin_2 avatar
Kesam
Community Member
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

View more commentsArrow down menu
#13

Terrible Maps

TerribleMaps Report

Add photo comments
POST
konstantin_2 avatar
Kesam
Community Member
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??)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#14

Terrible Maps

TerribleMaps Report

Add photo comments
POST
ambroise-lescop-2 avatar
Shelp
Community Member
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

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#17

Terrible Maps

TerribleMaps Report

Add photo comments
POST
karlameixnerov avatar
karla Meixnerová
Community Member
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...

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#21

Terrible Maps

TerribleMaps Report

Add photo comments
POST
rabbitcarrot avatar
Rabbit Carrot
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#22

Terrible Maps

TerribleMaps Report

Add photo comments
POST
sshapiro2025 avatar
Sadie Shapiro
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#26

Terrible Maps

TerribleMaps Report

Add photo comments
POST
ambroise-lescop-2 avatar
jitka-zachova avatar
Pamela24
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, I'm a long term fan of Terrible maps and am always confused when they share something from Amazing maps.

Load More Replies...
theupsetkitten avatar
The Upset Kitten
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Canadian here. It's actually not surprising at all when you consider Canada's overall population of about 35 to 40 million. Below that red line you see? There's Toronto and Montreal....already two of Canada's biggest cities. Also...our temps in the winter may be cold as heck (I've experienced -52C before in Montreal) but I've also experienced +40C in the Summer...the more you knowwwwww

chimesstreet avatar
pauljordan avatar
Paul Jordan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Been filled in with toxic waste by the Yanks, via midnight excursions on moonless nights?

Load More Replies...
michelle_mybell avatar
Michelle MyBell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn't believe this but searched a bit and: https://brilliantmaps.com/half-canada/

michelle_mybell avatar
Michelle MyBell
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

jimn1 avatar
Jim Newman
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, it is indeed true, but who knows what American city is actually North of Canada? For those of you who need a good question for a parlour game, or a whatever-type of game or quiz, the answer is.... Detroit. Check out a real map if you don't believe it. I wouldn't have believed it until I moved here. I think Bored Panda needs a new name rather than "Terrible Maps". These maps are TERRIFIC! And this particular one obviously came from a site called "Amazing Maps". I'm thinking there may be a lot more of these making their appearance these days with all the extra time creative people have available these days .

erin_16 avatar
GirlFriday
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Below the red line is where they store the syrup away from the polar bears.

phil_causey avatar
sophieg25 avatar
Clementine
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes it does get pretty cold here but actually it once was 45°C (113°F) in Midale and Yellowgrass, Saskatchewan. It can get surprisingly warm given how far north we are.

Load More Replies...
robh_1 avatar
Rob H
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There was also the stat that something like 80% of all a Canadians live within 100 miles (ca. 161 km) of the US-Canada border.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#28

Terrible Maps

TerribleMaps Report

Add photo comments
POST
jaynekyra avatar
Jayne Kyra
Community Member
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!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#29

Terrible Maps

TerribleMaps Report

Add photo comments
POST
r3dd3v1ll avatar
Oathbraker
Community Member
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.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#30

Terrible Maps

TerribleMaps Report

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