Paris drops Mercator projection

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Published: 2026-09-05T16:12:35.847Z • Permanent link

France has announced its intention to phase out the Mercator projection, a map projection that has been in use for centuries, in favor of a more accurate representation of the world's continents. This decision comes after a thorough review of the map's limitations and a recognition of its potential to misrepresent the size and shape of certain regions, particularly Africa. The foreign ministry has stated that the new map will better reflect the actual continental sizes, taking into account the vast differences in land area and population between continents.

The decision is seen as a significant step towards a more accurate and inclusive representation of the world's geography. The Mercator projection, which was developed by Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator in the 16th century, has been widely used for navigation and educational purposes. However, it has been criticized for its distortion of the shape and size of certain regions, particularly Africa, which is often depicted as a small rectangle. This has led to concerns about the perpetuation of stereotypes and misconceptions about the continent and its people.

The French government's decision is also seen as a response to growing concerns about the impact of inaccurate geography on research and policy. For example, the use of the Mercator projection has been criticized for its potential to misrepresent the size and shape of African countries, which can have significant implications for international relations, trade, and development. By adopting a more accurate map, the French government hopes to promote a more nuanced understanding of the world's geography and its implications for global issues.

The decision to phase out the Mercator projection has significant implications for the Data Sources domain, particularly for companies and research communities that rely on accurate geography data. One of the main affected companies is Google, which uses the Mercator projection in its mapping service. The company has stated that it will begin to phase out the Mercator projection in favor of a more accurate representation of the world's geography.

The impact of the decision will also be felt by research communities, which rely on accurate geography data for a wide range of studies, from climate science to economic development. For example, a study published in the journal Nature found that the use of the Mercator projection can lead to significant errors in the calculation of climate models, which can have significant implications for policy and decision-making.

The decision will also have implications for markets and policy environments, particularly in the context of international relations and trade. For example, the use of accurate geography data can help to promote a more nuanced understanding of the world's geography and its implications for global issues, which can in turn inform policy and decision-making.