Why the map get this direction as we see today?

In summary: If you're at the North Pole on a Mercator projection, then everything south of the equator is down and everything north of the equator is up.In summary, the most common maps are upside down, but some are printed correctly. The north is usually at the top on a Mercator projection, but this can be changed easily.
  • #1
pixel01
688
1
In all map, we always see the north on top, why's that? when was this way first used? Anybody know?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
my guess is that the North Star is the one orientation point that never moved. looking at it, east would be on your right. but that's just a guess, i have no idea.
 
  • #3
Yes, it seems that the most common maps are upside down. However, some maps are printed correctly:
http://flourish.org/upsidedownmap/mcarthur-large.jpg"
 
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  • #4
Historically in the West, maps were produced with east on top. See Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T_and_O_map" .
 
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  • #5
Could it be that Mercator projection requires maps to be orientated North South and if you live in the Northern hemisphere it is easier if the North Pole is at the top of your globe?
 
  • #6
Changing which end is at the top is as easy as turning the map sideways.

Equivalently, turning the globe sideways when you begin the projection.

I assume the north is top thing is a combination of the fact that most of the world lives in the northern hemisphere, and that compasses point north
 
  • #7
On a Mercator projection the bits at the top and bottom of the map are very distorted so turning the globe on its side would cause lots of problems.
 
  • #8
Eh. If it's 1600 and you live in Europe do you really care if China and the North America are stretched out?
 
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  • #9
Office_Shredder said:
Eh. If it's 1600 and you live in Europe do you really care if China and the North America are stretched out?

It reminded me of American world map :rofl::
http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/attachments/the-world-is-a-joke/4373d1243693805-american-world-map-472f2713d9a0famerican_world_map16.jpg
 
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  • #10
Its because a compass needle points north (or up) and its more intuitive to human nature that an arrow would point up or forward rather than down.
 
  • #11
Topher925 said:
Its because a compass needle points north (or up) and its more intuitive to human nature that an arrow would point up or forward rather than down.
Nah, the compass needle could go either way depending on how you put the magnetization.

My guess would be that when they discovered that Earth is rotating they thought that it would be proper to put the axis of rotation as the proper up/down and then by arguing "We are of course on the top half of the world!" north went to the top.
 
  • #12
If it's 1600 and you want to navigate your ship to China or America, then yes it matters quite a lot if China and America are stretched out.
 
  • #13
Well that's not strictly true. The point of mercator projection is that it preserves angles so you still know the right direction to go in.
 

1. Why is the map oriented with north at the top?

The convention of orienting maps with north at the top dates back to ancient civilizations, specifically the Greeks. They believed that north was the direction of the highest point, and therefore the direction of the gods. This belief was carried on by early mapmakers and has become the standard orientation for maps today.

2. How did early humans determine the direction of maps?

Early humans used a variety of methods to determine the direction of maps, such as the position of the sun or stars, landmarks, and magnetic compasses. They also observed the patterns of landforms and bodies of water to create maps that were oriented in a certain direction.

3. Why do maps differ in their orientation?

Maps can differ in their orientation based on the purpose and location of the map. For example, maps of the northern hemisphere are typically oriented with north at the top, while maps of the southern hemisphere may be oriented with south at the top. Additionally, maps used for navigation may be oriented with the direction of travel at the top.

4. How has the orientation of maps changed over time?

The orientation of maps has changed over time, as different civilizations and cultures developed their own methods for determining direction. In the 15th century, the invention of the printing press allowed for standardized maps with north at the top to be mass-produced, solidifying the convention that is still used today.

5. Are there any exceptions to the convention of north at the top?

While the majority of maps are oriented with north at the top, there are some exceptions. Some maps, particularly those used for navigation, may be oriented with the direction of travel at the top. Additionally, some maps may be oriented with a specific landmark or feature at the top, such as a mountain or river.

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