Unveiling the Truth Behind Map-Making

When we think of maps, we often view them as straightforward tools for documenting geography, used by historians and the general public alike. However, we can pull from author J.B Harley, who wrote Texts and Contexts in the Interpretation of Early Maps, that maps are far more complex and are rarely recognized for their full potential as instruments that shape our understanding of the world, often reinforcing cultural, political, and ideological perspectives. Have you ever stopped to think about what the purpose of a map was and maybe what the cartographer was trying to tell us? If you have, you may have brushed it off by thinking it is just used as a navigational tool or for information. Cartographers have the ability to omit, exaggerate and alter information to push a certain agenda. It is difficult to know what influences a cartographer while they work. Surprisingly, people tend to look at maps as a high accuracy medium for directions. They really are not. To quote J.B Harley, “each map argues its particular case.” This statement gives an assurance to not look at maps, though in the same way they might be similar, but every map presents a specific perspective, interpretation, or version of reality. They are not just a neutral or objective representation of the world. In other words, maps are not strictly about showing physical spaces or locations—they also convey the values, priorities, and biases of the person or group who created them.

One of the most famous examples of this selective portrayal is the Mercator projection, created in 1569 by Gerardus Mercator. While the Mercator map was designed primarily to aid navigation for European sailors, it also reinforced a Eurocentric worldview by distorting the size of landmasses. Europe and North America appear much larger than they actually are in comparison to Africa and South America, subtly suggesting the dominance and importance of Europe in the global hierarchy. This distortion reflects and reinforces the political and cultural climate of the time, in which European colonial powers sought to expand their influence across the world. By inflating the size of European territories, the Mercator projection visually supports the narrative of European superiority and control. Again, Mercator’s map had put Europe at the center. This arrangement, which became standard during the Age of Exploration, reflects a Eurocentric worldview in which Europe is seen as the focal point of global civilization, both culturally and politically. This Eurocentric perspective was not a neutral choice, but rather an ideological one that aligned with European colonial ambitions. The map, in this case, was not just a tool for navigation, but a medium through which European dominance was visually reinforced.

To say that cartographers operate in a vacuum would be incorrect. Their work is influenced by the cultural values and biases of the society in which they live. As Harley points out, maps are shaped by the priorities of their creators, and these priorities are often ideological in nature. A map can reflect national pride, religious beliefs, or political initiative- subtly communicating these values to its audience. For example, placing a country at the center of a map can convey the importance or relevance of that nation in a global context. Furthermore, religious maps from the medieval period provide yet another example of how maps can reflect personal narratives. Many medieval maps of the time placed Jerusalem at the center, symbolizing its spiritual significance in Christian theology. These maps were not designed to represent geographical reality but instead to communicate a specific religious worldview. The cartographer’s intention in these cases was to reinforce the centrality of Christian faith when coming to an understanding of the world. In this way, it is illustrated once again how maps can be used to convey specific  messages.

Maps are in fact more than just tools for showing geography; they reflect the values, biases, and priorities of their creators. As J.B. Harley argues, “each map argues its particular case,” meaning that maps show the choices and perspectives of the cartographer and the political or cultural climate of the time. From the distorted sizes in the Mercator projection to the erasure of indigenous peoples in colonial maps, cartographers have used maps to promote specific ideas and viewpoints for centuries. By recognizing maps as tools of power and influence, we can understand how they shape our view of the world and its history