📚 Around the World in 80 Ways

📚 Around the World in 80 Ways: Exploring Our Planet Through Maps and Data

BOOK INFORMATION

Around the World in 80 Ways: Exploring Our Planet Through Maps and Data
Stephen Webb
2023
220 pages
Geography/Science/Data Visualization

KEY TAKEAWAYS

HOOK

What if the maps we trust to show us the world are actually lying to us, and understanding those lies could reveal more truth than the maps themselves ever could?

ONE-SENTENCE TAKEAWAY

By examining 80 different data-driven maps of our planet, we can learn to see through the inherent distortions of cartography to uncover profound truths about our physical world, human impact on the environment, and how we live together on this planet.

SUMMARY

"Around the World in 80 Ways" tackles the paradox of cartography: all maps lie, but they can still reveal profound truths about our world. Stephen Webb, a physicist from the University of Portsmouth, guides readers through 80 different data-driven maps that collectively tell a story about our physical world, human impact on the planet, and how people live across the globe.

The book begins with a bold premise: "All maps lie." Webb explains that representing a three-dimensional sphere on a two-dimensional surface is mathematically impossible without distortion. For example, most maps make Antarctica appear as the Earth's largest continent sprawling across the full width, when in reality it's only the fifth-largest. However, Webb argues that understanding these limitations doesn't render maps useless; instead, it equips us to interpret them more critically and extract meaningful insights.

The 80 maps are organized by themes covering an impressive range of topics: from gender gaps across countries to capital punishment, plastic use to renewable electricity, capital city dominance to literacy rates, homes at risk from rising sea levels to malaria deaths. Webb doesn't shy away from controversial topics, directly addressing climate change deniers and those who reject scientific consensus on human impact on the planet.

What makes this book unique is its balance between serious global issues and quirky geographical questions. Alongside maps showing the devastating impact of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa or the political tensions surrounding phosphate reserves in Western Sahara, Webb explores questions like "What is the longest straight line you can walk without getting your feet wet?" or "Why are UFO sightings so heavily concentrated in the USA and Western Europe?"

The book also serves as a practical guide, including tutorials on downloading and using free GIS software, enabling readers to create their own maps. Webb provides data sources and references, encouraging readers to explore topics further and develop their own data visualization skills; a particularly valuable offering in an era of "alternative facts" and misleading data visualizations.

Throughout the book, Webb leverages his background as a physicist to explain complex concepts clearly and to challenge misinterpretations of data. He demonstrates how maps can reveal uncomfortable truths about our world while also acknowledging their limitations and potential for manipulation.

INSIGHTS

• Maps inherently distort reality but can still reveal truth: The book's central insight is that acknowledging maps' limitations doesn't negate their value; rather, it enables more critical interpretation and deeper understanding.
• Data visualization is a powerful tool for revealing global inequalities: Maps showing gender gaps, malaria deaths, and resource distribution starkly illustrate global disparities that might be less apparent in raw data tables.
• Cultural conventions shape our perception of the world: The book reveals how arbitrary choices, like placing north at the top of maps, influence our understanding of global geography and relationships between regions.
• Human impact on the planet is both widespread and unevenly distributed: Through various environmental maps, Webb shows how human activities affect different regions in vastly different ways, from plastic pollution to renewable energy adoption.
• Quirky questions can reveal serious geographical and political realities: The book demonstrates that seemingly frivolous questions, like the longest straight-line walk on Earth, can illuminate important intersections of geography, politics, and practical human concerns.
• Critical data literacy is essential in the modern world: Webb emphasizes that understanding how data is collected, visualized, and interpreted is crucial for navigating an information landscape filled with misleading visualizations and "alternative facts."
• Resources and politics are deeply intertwined: Maps showing the distribution of critical resources like phosphorus reveal how geological realities and political tensions are often inseparable.
• Maps can both reflect and reinforce power structures: The book explores how cartographic choices can perpetuate certain worldviews and power dynamics, often in ways we don't consciously recognize.

FRAMEWORKS & MODELS

The Map Interpretation Framework

Webb provides a systematic approach to critically interpreting maps and data visualizations:

• Components: Understanding projection distortions, examining data sources and collection methods, identifying the purpose and potential biases of the mapmaker, considering what the map emphasizes and what it omits
• How it works: Readers are taught to ask specific questions about any map they encounter: What is being measured? How was the data collected? What projection is used? What is being emphasized or omitted? Who created the map and for what purpose?
• Evidence: Throughout the book, Webb applies this framework to each of the 80 maps, demonstrating how different aspects of map creation influence interpretation
• Significance: This framework empowers readers to move beyond passive consumption of maps to active, critical interpretation, which is a crucial skill in an age of data manipulation and misinformation
• Example: When examining a map of global alcohol consumption, Webb applies the framework to question why Nigeria shows consumption levels similar to Germany, revealing how cultural factors and data collection methods influence the visualization

The GIS Self-Empowerment Model

The book provides a practical framework for readers to create their own maps:

• Components: Tutorial on downloading free GIS software, guidance on finding reliable data sources, step-by-step instructions for data visualization, best practices for ethical map creation
• How it works: Readers learn to access open-source GIS tools, locate reputable data sets, and create their own visualizations, moving from passive consumers to active creators of geographic information
• Evidence: Webb references specific software tools and data repositories, providing practical starting points for readers interested in creating their own maps
• Significance: This model democratizes map creation, allowing readers to explore questions that matter to them rather than being limited by what others choose to visualize
• Example: The book guides readers through creating a map of local environmental concerns using publicly available data and free software tools

The Human Impact Assessment Framework

Webb develops a framework for evaluating human impact on the planet through geographic data:

• Components: Baseline environmental conditions, human activity indicators, change over time measurements, regional variations, future projections
• How it works: By examining maps showing different aspects of human activity and environmental conditions, readers learn to assess the scope and scale of human impact on different regions and systems
• Evidence: Multiple maps in the book demonstrate this framework, from plastic pollution distribution to renewable energy adoption to areas at risk from sea-level rise
• Significance: This framework helps readers move beyond simplistic narratives about human impact to a more nuanced understanding of how different activities affect different regions in different ways
• Example: When examining maps of phosphate distribution and use, Webb applies this framework to show how a critical resource is concentrated in politically unstable regions, creating vulnerabilities in global food systems

KEY THEMES

• The Truth in Lies: Throughout the book, Webb develops the theme that acknowledging the inherent "lies" in maps actually enables us to extract deeper truths about our world. This theme challenges readers to think critically about all forms of data visualization.
• Human Impact on the Planet: A central theme running through many of the maps is how human activities are transforming the Earth, from climate change effects to resource depletion to pollution. Webb develops this theme by showing both the scope of impact and the uneven distribution of effects and responsibilities.
• Global Inequality: The book consistently reveals patterns of global inequality through maps showing disparities in wealth, health, education, and environmental impacts. This theme is developed by connecting geographic patterns to historical, political, and economic factors.
• The Power and Limitations of Data Visualization: Webb explores how maps can both illuminate and obscure reality, depending on how they're created and interpreted. This theme is developed through explicit discussion of cartographic principles and through examples of misleading or enlightening visualizations.
• Interconnectedness of Global Systems: Many maps in the book reveal how different aspects of our world (environmental, economic, political, cultural) are interconnected. This theme is developed by showing how changes in one system affect others across geographic boundaries.
• The Politics of Resources: Several maps demonstrate how the distribution of natural resources intersects with political power and instability. This theme is developed through examples like phosphate reserves in Western Sahara and the implications of resource concentration.
• Cultural Bias in Perception: The book explores how cultural conventions, like north-up orientation, shape our understanding of the world. This theme is developed by examining alternative map orientations and discussing their psychological and political implications.

COMPARISON TO OTHER WORKS

• vs. "How to Lie with Maps" by Mark Monmonier: While Monmonier's classic focuses specifically on the ways maps can deceive, Webb's book takes a broader approach, using the concept of maps as "lies" as a starting point for exploring a wide range of global issues through data visualization.
• vs. "Factfulness" by Hans Rosling: Both books aim to improve data literacy and challenge misconceptions about the world, but Webb focuses specifically on geographic data visualization, while Rosling takes a broader approach to statistical understanding and global development.
• vs. "Prisoners of Geography" by Tim Marshall: Marshall's book explores how geography influences politics and international relations, while Webb's work examines how geographic data visualization can reveal and sometimes obscure these same relationships.
• vs. "The Atlas of the Real World" by Daniel Dorling et al: Both books use maps to reveal global patterns, but Webb's work includes more explicit discussion of map limitations and provides practical guidance for creating personal visualizations, whereas Dorling's work focuses more on presenting a comprehensive collection of cartograms.
• vs. "Visible Learning for Geography" by David Lambert: While Lambert's work focuses on geographic education and pedagogy, Webb's book is aimed at general readers and emphasizes practical data literacy skills alongside geographic understanding.

QUOTES

• "All maps lie": This bold premise appears early in the book and sets the tone for Webb's exploration of cartographic limitations and possibilities. It challenges readers to think critically about every map they encounter.
• "No map is truly truthful": Webb uses this statement to explain the fundamental challenge of representing a three-dimensional sphere on a two-dimensional surface, using examples like how most maps distort Antarctica's apparent size.
• "What distortions are we willing to accept and what features do we want to preserve?": This quote captures Webb's approach to map interpretation, emphasizing that understanding maps requires conscious decisions about what aspects of reality to prioritize.
• "We could just as easily adopt the opposite convention": Webb uses this statement when discussing north-up map orientation, revealing how arbitrary many cartographic conventions are and how they shape our perception of the world.
• "The question is, what distortions are we willing to accept and what features do we want to preserve?": This quote encapsulates Webb's balanced approach to map interpretation, acknowledging limitations while focusing on extracting meaningful insights.
• "More knotty but probably more pertinent in the long-term, as this thought-provoking book makes clear, is how we choose to interpret facts that have been literally mapped out": This quote from the book's conclusion emphasizes the central challenge of modern data literacy or how to interpret mapped facts in an age of misinformation.
• "How we make sense of what Webb calls 'the messy reality of planet Earth'": This quote highlights the book's broader purpose of helping readers navigate complex geographic data to understand our world more clearly.

HABITS

• Critical Map Examination: Develop the habit of questioning every map you encounter. Ask: What projection is used? What data is included and excluded? Who created this map and for what purpose? What might be distorted or misleading?
• Data Source Verification: Make it a habit to check the sources of data in any visualization. Look for information about collection methods, sample sizes, and potential biases in the data.
• Multiple Perspective Seeking: When examining geographic information, consult multiple maps and visualizations of the same phenomenon. Different projections and data presentations can reveal different aspects of reality.
• Personal Map Creation: Use the free GIS software recommended in the book to create maps of issues that matter to you. Start with local data and gradually expand to larger geographic scales as you become more comfortable with the tools.
• Pattern Recognition Across Domains: Practice looking for connections between different types of maps. For example, compare maps of environmental resources with political stability maps to identify potential vulnerabilities.
• Regular Data Literacy Practice: Set aside time each week to examine new data visualizations and practice applying Webb's critical interpretation framework. This could include maps from news sources, scientific publications, or government reports.
• Cultural Bias Awareness: When examining maps, consciously consider how cultural conventions might be shaping the presentation. Experiment with alternative orientations or emphasis to see how they change your perception.
• Cross-Referencing Habits: Develop the practice of using the book's index to cross-reference related topics and themes, building a more integrated understanding of how different geographic factors interact.
• Future Projection Thinking: When examining current geographic data, practice thinking about future implications. How might the patterns shown change over time? What factors might accelerate or slow these changes?
• Discussion and Sharing: Engage others in discussions about the maps and data presented in the book. Sharing insights and hearing different perspectives can deepen understanding and reveal new interpretations.

KEY ACTIONABLE INSIGHTS

• Apply the Map Interpretation Framework: For any map you encounter, systematically apply Webb's critical interpretation framework by examining the projection, data sources, creator's potential biases, and what's being emphasized or omitted.
• Download and Experiment with GIS Software: Follow the book's tutorial to download free GIS software and create your first simple map. Start with local data that interests you personally to build confidence with the tools.
• Create a Personal Geographic Data Project: Identify a geographic question that matters to you (local environmental issues, demographic changes in your area, etc.) and use the book's guidance to gather data and create your own visualization.
• Develop a "Map Lie" Detection Checklist: Create a personal checklist of common map distortions and misleading techniques to use when evaluating maps in media, reports, or presentations.
• Build a Geographic Data Reference Library: Compile a list of reliable data sources for different types of geographic information, using the book's references as a starting point and expanding based on your interests.
• Practice Alternative Map Orientations: Regularly view familiar maps with different orientations (south-up, east-up, etc.) to train yourself to see beyond conventional perspectives and recognize cultural biases in map presentation.
• Conduct a Personal Impact Assessment: Use the book's human impact framework to assess your own geographic footprint, creating maps of your resource use, travel patterns, or environmental impact.
• Start a Geographic Discussion Group: Form a small group to discuss maps and geographic data, applying Webb's critical framework and sharing insights from different perspectives.
• Create a Future Projection Exercise: Choose one of the book's maps showing current conditions and research how experts project it might change over the next 10-30 years, creating your own visualization of potential future scenarios.
• Develop a Teaching Plan: If you're an educator or simply want to share these insights, develop a short lesson plan based on the book's key concepts to help others improve their geographic data literacy.

REFERENCES

• GIS Software Tools: The book references and provides tutorials for free GIS software that readers can use to create their own maps, though specific software names aren't detailed in the available excerpts.
• Geographic Data Repositories: Webb provides guidance on finding reliable geographic data sources, including government databases, scientific repositories, and international organizations.
• Scientific Research on Climate Change: As a physicist challenging climate change deniers, Webb references scientific consensus and research on human impact on global climate systems.
• Cartographic Theory and History: The book draws on established cartographic principles and historical examples of map-making to explain why and how maps distort reality.
• United Nations and World Bank Data: Many of the maps in the book use data from international organizations like the UN and World Bank, which Webb references as sources.
• Historical Maps and Mapping Conventions: Webb references historical mapping practices and conventions, such as medieval European maps with east at the top, to illustrate how cultural perspectives shape cartography.
• Scientific Studies on Resource Distribution: For maps showing the distribution of resources like phosphorus, Webb references geological and economic studies of resource distribution and importance.
• Media Studies on Data Visualization: The book engages with research on how data visualizations can mislead or inform, particularly in the context of modern media and "alternative facts."

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