GS Paper I | Geography | Map Projections
GS Paper II | International Relations | United Nations
Current Affairs | 6 September 2026
Why in News?
India on 6 September 2026 clarified its position on the United Nations General Assembly resolution promoting the wider use of equal-area world map projections.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India had voted in favour of the broader principle of representing continental landmasses in their correct relative proportions. At the same time, India stressed that the resolution does not endorse any particular world map, projection or depiction of international boundaries. India also reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh must be depicted in accordance with India’s official map.
The clarification is a useful UPSC topic because it links a seemingly simple geography concept—map projections—with questions of education, representation, international politics and territorial sovereignty.
What Did the UN General Assembly Decide?
The UN General Assembly adopted the resolution titled:
“Correct the Map: Rebalancing Global Cartographic Representation and Promoting Equitable Representation of the World’s Regions, Particularly Africa”
on 4 September 2026.
The resolution was adopted by 164 votes in favour, one against and six abstentions. The United States cast the only vote against it. The six abstaining countries were Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Moldova, Serbia and Ukraine.
Importantly, the resolution does not ban the Mercator projection and does not legally require countries to adopt one particular replacement.
Instead, it encourages greater use of equal-area projections when the comparative size of continents and countries is important—for example in:
- school textbooks,
- educational material,
- media,
- international organisations, and
- digital mapping platforms.
This distinction matters.
The UN has encouraged fairer area representation; it has not ordered the world to use one compulsory map.
Why Was the Resolution Needed?
The Earth is roughly spherical, while the maps we use in books and on screens are flat.
Turning a three-dimensional globe into a two-dimensional map inevitably creates distortion.
A mapmaker therefore has to decide what property should be preserved most accurately:
- area,
- shape,
- direction,
- distance, or
- some compromise between them.
No flat world map can reproduce all these properties perfectly at the same time.
That is the basic reason different map projections exist.
What is a Map Projection?
A map projection is a mathematical method used to represent the curved surface of the Earth on a flat surface.
Different projections are designed for different purposes.
For example:
- navigators may value accurate direction,
- thematic maps may need accurate area,
- local maps may need accurate distance,
- school atlases may prefer a balanced visual appearance.
The important UPSC lesson is:
There is no universally “perfect” map projection. The correct projection depends on the purpose of the map.
What is the Mercator Projection?
The Mercator projection was introduced by Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator in 1569.
Its great advantage was navigation.
On a Mercator map, a line of constant compass bearing—known as a rhumb line or loxodrome—can be represented as a straight line. This made the projection extremely useful for sailors plotting courses across the oceans. The projection is still widely used for nautical purposes.
The problem appears when Mercator is used as a general world map.
What does Mercator distort?
As we move away from the Equator towards the poles, the apparent size of landmasses increases dramatically.
This makes high-latitude regions appear much larger relative to tropical and equatorial regions than they actually are.
The classic example is:
Greenland vs Africa
On many Mercator maps, Greenland appears roughly comparable in size to Africa.
In reality, Africa is about 14 times larger than Greenland.
Why Does Africa Appear Smaller?
Africa lies largely between the tropics and close to the Equator.
Regions such as:
- Greenland,
- northern Europe,
- Canada, and
- Russia
lie much farther from the Equator.
Because the Mercator projection increasingly enlarges areas towards higher latitudes, these northern regions appear disproportionately large.
This means the visual relationship between continents can become misleading.
The issue is not that Mercator is mathematically “wrong”. It was designed for a different purpose—navigation.
The problem arises when a navigation-oriented projection is treated as though it were a neutral representation of the relative size of the world’s continents.
What is an Equal-Area Projection?
An equal-area projection preserves the relative area of geographical regions.
If one landmass is actually twice the size of another, an equal-area map tries to ensure that it also appears roughly twice as large on the map.
The trade-off is that preserving area usually causes some distortion in:
- shape,
- angles, or
- direction.
This leads to an important Prelims rule:
Equal-area does not mean distortion-free.
It means area is the property being preserved.
What is the Equal Earth Projection?
The Equal Earth projection was developed in 2018 by cartographers:
- Bojan Šavrič,
- Tom Patterson, and
- Bernhard Jenny.
It is an equal-area pseudocylindrical projection designed for world maps. It was inspired partly by the visual appearance of the Robinson projection but, unlike Robinson, preserves relative area.
Its aims include:
- preserving the correct relative size of continents,
- maintaining reasonably recognisable continental shapes, and
- providing an aesthetically balanced world map.
Mercator vs Equal Earth
| Feature | Mercator Projection | Equal Earth Projection |
|---|---|---|
| Main strength | Direction and local angles | Relative area |
| Type | Cylindrical/conformal | Equal-area pseudocylindrical |
| High-latitude regions | Strongly enlarged | Area preserved |
| Navigation | Very useful | Not designed primarily for navigation |
| Relative continental size | Distorted | Much more accurate |
| Shape | Locally preserved better | Some shape distortion occurs |
| Developed | 1569 | 2018 |
The exam takeaway is not that one projection is universally superior.
Rather:
Mercator → good for direction/navigation
Equal Earth → good for comparing landmass area
Why Has Africa Pushed the “Correct the Map” Campaign?
The resolution was introduced by Togo on behalf of the African Group and was backed by the African Union.
Supporters argue that repeated use of maps that visually shrink Africa has influenced how generations perceive the continent’s geographical scale and global importance.
The UN discussion linked the issue not merely with cartography but also with:
- education,
- geographical literacy,
- historical representation, and
- perceptions of different regions.
This brings an interesting dimension to geography:
Maps do not merely describe space; the way they represent space can influence how people understand the world.
For UPSC Mains, however, this argument should be handled carefully. A map projection is first a technical cartographic choice, even though the social and political consequences of widespread map use can be debated.
What Exactly is India’s Position?
India supported the principle of wider use of equal-area cartographic representation.
But the MEA made three important clarifications on 6 September.
1. India has not endorsed one compulsory projection
India said the resolution should not be interpreted as endorsement of:
- Equal Earth,
- any other particular projection, or
- any specific world map.
Different projections can continue to be selected according to their intended use.
2. The resolution is about physical representation, not political boundaries
The issue concerns the relative size of landmasses.
It does not determine:
- international borders,
- disputed territories,
- sovereignty, or
- place names.
3. India reiterated its territorial position
The MEA said India’s sovereign territory, including the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, must be depicted according to India’s official map, and that inaccurate or misleading depiction is unacceptable.
This distinction between cartographic projection and political cartography is extremely important.
Projection and Political Boundaries Are Two Different Issues
Students can easily confuse these concepts.
A map projection determines how the curved Earth is mathematically transferred onto a flat surface.
It affects things such as:
- area,
- shape,
- distance, and
- direction.
Political cartography deals with:
- borders,
- territorial claims,
- disputed regions, and
- administrative boundaries.
Changing from Mercator to an equal-area projection therefore does not automatically change national borders.
That is exactly why India separated its support for equal-area mapping from the question of territorial representation.
A Useful UPSC Trap: Does the UN Itself Use Only Mercator Maps?
No.
This is an important nuance.
The UN Secretariat says it has no single prescribed map projection. Its world maps have commonly used projections such as:
- Robinson,
- Winkel III, and
- Eckert IV.
Regional and operational maps use other projections according to their purpose.
Therefore, avoid writing:
“The UN has decided to replace its existing Mercator map with Equal Earth.”
That would oversimplify the resolution.
A better formulation is:
“The UN General Assembly has encouraged wider use of equal-area projections in contexts where accurate comparison of landmass size is important.”
Another Prelims Trap: What Projection is Used in the UN Emblem?
The map appearing in the United Nations emblem is not Mercator.
The UN emblem uses an azimuthal equidistant projection centred on the North Pole.
This is exactly the kind of static-current linkage UPSC can turn into a statement-based question.
Why is This Important for Geography?
This development brings several basic concepts together.
Latitude and distortion
Distortion in projections such as Mercator increases towards higher latitudes.
Purpose of maps
A projection suitable for navigation may be unsuitable for comparing land areas.
Cartographic generalisation
Every map is a selective representation of reality.
Spatial perception
Maps affect how students and citizens understand:
- scale,
- distance,
- location, and
- regional importance.
This makes map projections far more than a technical chapter in geography.
Major Map Projections to Remember
Mercator
Preserves local angles and direction; highly useful for navigation but strongly distorts area towards the poles.
Equal Earth
Equal-area world projection; preserves relative landmass size.
Gall-Peters
Equal-area projection but produces noticeable shape distortion.
Robinson
Compromise projection designed to create a visually balanced world map; does not strictly preserve area.
Winkel Tripel
A compromise projection designed to reduce overall distortion of area, direction and distance.
Azimuthal Equidistant
Preserves distance and direction from a central point; used in the UN emblem.
Prelims Focus
Remember these facts:
- The UNGA “Correct the Map” resolution was adopted on 4 September 2026.
- India voted in favour of the resolution.
- India clarified its position on 6 September 2026.
- The resolution encourages wider use of equal-area projections.
- It does not make Equal Earth compulsory.
- Equal Earth was developed in 2018.
- Equal Earth is an equal-area pseudocylindrical projection.
- Mercator was introduced in 1569.
- Mercator is particularly useful for navigation.
- Mercator exaggerates area towards the poles.
- The UN emblem uses an azimuthal equidistant projection, not Mercator.
- Map projection and political boundaries are separate questions.
Prelims Traps
Statement: Equal-area projections preserve both the exact shape and exact area of every landmass.
Incorrect. They preserve area, but other properties can be distorted.
Statement: Mercator projection has no practical advantage.
Incorrect. It is highly useful for navigation because of its treatment of direction.
Statement: The UN resolution legally bans the Mercator projection.
Incorrect.
Statement: India has endorsed the Equal Earth projection as the only acceptable world map.
Incorrect.
Statement: Equal Earth is an equal-area projection.
Correct.
Statement: The UN emblem uses the Mercator projection.
Incorrect. It uses an azimuthal equidistant projection centred on the North Pole.
Mains Perspective: Are Maps Politically Neutral?
Maps are mathematical tools, but their social use can have political consequences.
Three points are worth considering.
First, all maps involve choices
The cartographer chooses:
- projection,
- scale,
- centre,
- orientation,
- symbols, and
- boundaries.
These choices influence how the map is read.
Second, repeated visual distortion can influence perception
If one region is repeatedly shown much larger than another, people may develop an inaccurate intuitive understanding of geographical scale.
This is one reason African countries have supported greater use of equal-area projections.
Third, technical cartography should be separated from sovereignty
Correct representation of landmass size does not resolve disputed borders or territorial claims.
India’s response demonstrates this distinction clearly: it supports fairer physical cartographic representation while maintaining its established position on political boundaries and territorial integrity.
Possible UPSC Prelims Question
With reference to map projections, consider the following statements:
- The Mercator projection is useful for navigation because it preserves local angles and direction.
- Equal-area projections preserve the relative size of geographical regions.
- The Equal Earth projection eliminates all forms of map distortion.
- The United Nations emblem uses an azimuthal equidistant projection.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 4 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: B
Explanation: Statements 1, 2 and 4 are correct. No flat projection can eliminate every kind of distortion; Equal Earth preserves area but cannot simultaneously preserve all shapes, distances and directions.
Possible Mains Question
“A map projection is a technical choice, but its widespread use can also shape geographical and political perceptions.” Discuss in the context of the recent UN initiative on equal-area world maps.
Answer Approach
Begin by explaining the unavoidable distortion involved in representing a spherical Earth on a flat surface.
Then discuss:
- purpose of Mercator projection,
- area distortion at high latitudes,
- Africa’s concerns,
- equal-area mapping,
- Equal Earth projection,
- educational and cognitive implications,
- distinction between physical cartography and political boundaries,
- India’s position on sovereignty.
Conclude that better geographical literacy requires understanding both the usefulness and limitations of every map projection, rather than treating any flat world map as a perfect representation of Earth.
30-Second Revision
UN “Correct the Map” Resolution → adopted 4 Sept 2026 → 164–1 vote → encourages equal-area maps → does not ban Mercator → India supports principle → MEA clarification 6 Sept → no endorsement of one specific projection → J&K and Ladakh must follow India’s official map → Mercator = navigation + area distortion → Equal Earth = equal-area → UN emblem = azimuthal equidistant projection.
Sources
UN General Assembly meeting coverage
