Cornell University – PJ Mode Collection of Persuasive Cartography

The U.S. is not only “upside down” from the traditional forms of world map, but compressed into a narrow area near the top margin. The promotional text for this map urge the viewer to “See the World From Another Perspective.” […]

At an international conference in 2001, Hao presented a paper describing the projection eventually used to produce this world map, the “Generalized Equivalent-Difference Latitude Parallel Polyconic Projection.” […]

This map has been employed since 2004 by China’s Oceanic Administration and since 2006 as an official military map of the People’s Liberation Army, used in establishing and maintaining the nation’s strategic navigation system. This topographic version of the map was first released to the public in 2014.