29 January 2011

Upside down maps

It's only centuries of convention that makes this map look wrong. Why should North always be at the top? Why should England always be in the middle? If you live in other countries, it makes more sense to have maps tailored to your own world view. See more examples of "upside down maps" on this site.

When the map below was handed out at Euston Station one week, some years ago, there was uproar - "this is all wrong!" said many people; "I can't figure out where I am" said others. Just because South is at the top.
But I think it makes perfect sense - you come out of Euston Station (bottom right) and where you're going is ahead of you - no need to turn the map around unless you need to walk north ...

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