Originally released to vast acclaim, this energetic, cleverly illustrated essay at the use and abuse of maps teaches us the best way to overview maps severely and promotes a fit skepticism approximately those easy-to-manipulate versions of fact. Monmonier exhibits that, regardless of their huge worth, maps lie. in truth, they must.
The moment version is up-to-date with the addition of 2 new chapters, 10 colour plates, and a brand new foreword via popular geographer H. J. de Blij. One new bankruptcy examines the position of nationwide curiosity and cultural values in nationwide mapping agencies, together with the us Geological Survey, whereas the opposite explores the hot breed of multimedia, computer-based maps.
To exhibit how maps distort, Monmonier introduces uncomplicated rules of mapmaking, supplies pleasing examples of the misuse of maps in events from zoning disputes to census experiences, and covers all of the common types of distortions from planned oversimplifications to the deceptive use of color.
"Professor Monmonier himself understands the right way to achieve our realization; it isn't actually the lies in maps yet their fact, if continually approximate and incomplete, that he desires us to respect and use, even to attract for ourselves at the facile display. His is an crafty and humorous publication, which like all strong map, packs lots in little space."—Scientific American
"A worthwhile consultant to an issue most folk most likely take an excessive amount of with no consideration. It indicates how map makers translate summary information into attention-grabbing cartograms, as they're referred to as. It combats cartographic illiteracy. It fights cartophobia. it will possibly even educate you in finding your method. For that by myself, it sort of feels worthwhile."—Christopher Lehmann-Haupt, The manhattan Times
". . . witty exam of ways and why maps lie. [The publication] conveys a tremendous message approximately how statistics of any sort may be manipulated. however it additionally communicates a lot of the problem, aesthetic allure, and sheer enjoyable of maps. Even those that hated geography in grammar tuition may possibly good discover a new enthusiasm for the topic after studying Monmonier's vigorous and astounding book."—Wilson Library Bulletin
"A interpreting of this e-book will depart you far better defended opposed to reasonable atlases, shoddy journalism, unscrupulous advertisers, predatory special-interest teams, and others who may possibly use or abuse maps at your expense."—John Van Pelt, Christian technology Monitor
"Monmonier meets his objective admirably. . . . [His] booklet could be wear each map user's 'must learn' record. it really is informative and readable . . . a major breakthrough in supporting us to appreciate how maps can lie to their readers."—Jeffrey S. Murray, Canadian Geographic