GGR111H5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Dependency Theory, Eurocentrism, Certain General
Document Summary
Why is north at the top of the maps: people in the northern hemisphere created the map, eurocentric, no reason that north is on top, no cartographic or geographic reasoning, orient means east. Mercator projection: heavily distorts area, not true to area, different methods cause different distortions, difference approaches to maintain area, choice of projection will affect the creation of reference maps. Main points about projections: mercator projection is most commonly used, distortions always occur when transferring a globe to a flat surface, which distortions care acceptable" or unacceptable" is a matter of choice. A choice informed by a combination of math, intended use, politics, culture: choice of projection affects reference maps and the ability to translate from one to another. Ignores variations even within europe: prioritizes the national scale. Critiques of world systems theory: prioritizes the national scale, does not account for transnational relationships (those that are not based on the state, broad generalizations, prioritization of world market.
