Vivid Maps

January 24, 2021 Alex

Earth’s surface visualized

The Total Surface Area of our planet is about 509.6 million km² or 197 million mi². The land occupies only 29% of the Earth’s Surface (148.3 million km2 or 57.3 million mi²). The largest countries by surface area are Russia (3.35%), Canada (1.96%), China (1.88%), United States (1.87%), Brazil (1.67%), and Australia (1.51%). Together they occupy approximately 12.24% of the planet’s surface. 70% of the Earth’s total surface is covered with water (361. 7 million km² or 139. 7 million mi²).

Map of Atlantic Ocean as imagined in 1974

Historical Maps

January 19, 2021 Alex

Maps of the Unexplored World

The geographic maps that we are so used to seeing were completely different a few centuries ago. At that time, the inhabitants of Europe did not even suspect the existence of entire continents. The historical maps below show how geographical discoveries were changing the face of the map throughout centuries.

Which Nations Don’t Use Their Own Currencies?

Economic maps

January 14, 2021 Alex

Countries that don’t use their own currencies mapped

The majority of countries (131 nations and 4 dependent territories) use their own currency, 14 countries and ten dependent territories using their own money and currency of another country. And 12 nations don’t have their currency instead of using another country’s currency. In addition, there are 5 monetary unions (Euro, CFP frank East Caribbean Dollar, West African and Central African CFA franks).

Space

January 11, 2021 Alex

A Short History of Martian Canals in Maps

In 1877, the Italian cosmologist Giovanni Schiaparelli published a map of Mars. On this map, the planet’s surface was crisscrossed by straight lines from 60° north to 60° south latitude, each rod-straight and up to thousands of miles long. Schiaparelli called these lines “Canali”, Italian for “channel”. This was incorrectly translated into English as “canals”.

Countries whose capital is close to the border

Cities

January 6, 2021 Alex

Countries whose capital is close to the border or bordering another country

The location of the capitals is based on several principles. First, the principle is to place the capital as close to the state’s center as possible based on the predominant travel method. The next principle is based on closeness to trade routes, resources, etc.

Travel

January 4, 2021 Alex

21 maps that explain Russia

What do you know about the largest country in the world? Here is a comprehensive atlas of various maps explaining Russia’s geography, history, politics, and economics.

News Vivid maps

December 29, 2020 Alex

20 Best Maps of 2020

The most attractive maps of the last year ranked by views. From the largest predator in each U.S. state to tipping etiquette around the world, these marvelous maps show cartography at its best.

News Political maps Vivid maps

December 25, 2020 Alex

2020 U.S. Election Mapped, TrumpLand vs Biden Archipelago

Biden won the 2020 popular vote by more than 7 million, yet most counties voted for Trump. These maps show the gap between land and people.

News Vivid maps Water Bodies

December 7, 2020 Alex

Maps of the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes are the most extensive freshwater system globally (94,600 sq mi / 244,000 sq km). The Lakes contain 5,400 cu mi (22,500 cu km) of surface freshwater on earth or 6 quadrillion gallons of freshwater (22.7 quadrillion liters), accounting for about 21% of the world’s surface freshwater or 84% of North America’s surface freshwater.

Using Digital Elevation Model data, I made the map of the Great Lakes in watercolor style.

3D maps Climate News Vivid maps

December 1, 2020 Alex

3D Mapping of The Global Climate

Data analyst Alasdair Rae created unique 3D maps of the global population density. This idea inspired me to make three-dimensional maps depicting different climatic parameters. To create these maps, I used Worldclim data: average temperature (°C), precipitation (mm), solar radiation (kJ m-2 day-1), and wind speed (m s-1).

Sociology

December 1, 2020 Alex

Generations Across Europe: A Geographic Perspective on Societal Shifts

Europe’s generational diversity tells a compelling story of cultural transformation. From the post-war Boomers to the digital-native Millennials, each generation brings its unique perspective to the continent’s social and economic fabric.

Political maps

November 29, 2020 Alex

Prefectures Maps of Japan

Japan is split into 47 prefectures, making the nation’s first level of administrative and jurisdiction division. They include 43 usual prefectures, two urban prefectures (Osaka and Kyoto), one “territory” (Hokkaido), and one “metropolis” (Tokyo).

Laws

November 26, 2020 Alex

Drone Privacy Laws Around the World Mapped

The global drone industry is projected to double over the next five years, from $22.5 billion in 2020 to $42.8 billion in 2025. Lawmakers are struggling to keep up with the advancing technology. And while at least 143 nations have enacted some form of drone-related regulation, many experts contend that current drone regulation is lacking to deal with the threat of widespread surveillance.