Typus Orbis Terrarum (Map of the World), 1607

Gerard Mercator (1512–1594) was born in Flanders, now known as Belgium. The son of a shoemaker, he graduated in 1532 from the University of Louvain, where he studied astronomy, geography, and mathematics. Afterwards he worked as an engraver, calligrapher, geographer, and a maker of scientific instruments. He also made globes and produced maps, including a map of the world first published in 1569 that was intended to help sailors navigate the globe. As a cartographer, his most important innovation was flattening the spherical planet into a two-dimensional map. The latitude and longitude lines were drawn in a straight grid. Known as the Mercator projection, it inflates the size of landmasses that are farther away from the equator so that places like Greenland are not the correct size or proportion. Despite the distortions found in these maps, his maps were highly regarded and are still in use for navigational purposes today.  

Cartographer Jodocus Hondius prepared this map for publication in Mercator's Atlas Minor, published in 1607. The map shows both western and eastern hemispheres, split into two circular halves, and includes latitude and longitude lines as a locational grid. The map divides the Old and New worlds. On the left, the Americas are illustrated. There are certain areas which were not fully explored and Mercator had minimal information from which to base his map, although he did get some land masses correct, such as the Baja California peninsula. The right hand side of the map shows Africa, Europe, and Asia. Africa is divided into the principal colonial territories and kingdoms of the 16th century. The Arabian Peninsula, parts of Asia, and Europe are shown to be connected as on modern maps. The African Island of Madagascar and smaller islands in the Indian Ocean are shown as are the reefs in that area. The Asian depiction overestimates the size of New Guinea and underestimates the size of China, which was common in the period. The Persian and Ottoman Empires are represented on the map with demarcation lines showing the boundaries between the empires. Europe is shown with divisions reflecting the political boundaries from the 17th century.

Citation: Mercator, Gerhard, (1512–1594). Typus Orbis Terrarum: Domini est Terra & Plenitudo Ejus, Orbis Uerrarum, & Universi Qui Habitant in Eo. Psalmo 24. Amsterdam, 1607. G3200 1607 .M4 Voorhees Collection. Library of Virginia.

History: USI.1, USI.2, USI.4, VUS.2, WG.1, WG.3, WHII.1, WHII.2

Science: 4.9, 5.6, ES.1, ES.8

Preview Activity

Look at it: Look at the map, what do you notice about it? Does it look similar or different when compared to modern world maps? 

Post Activities

STEM Stat: During the 16th and 17th centuries, new geographic information was being provided by explorers.  Mercator projection maps were used for navigation of ships and were effective. In the 19th and 20th centuries, these maps were often misused and many misconceptions were developed. What misconceptions of the continents might one have in looking at this map?

Analysis: The map shows the political boundaries in Africa, Asia, and Europe. Why would this information have been helpful to explorers and navigators? 

Another Perspective: Take on the role of an early explorer or navigator. Make a list of geographical features you will want to find on a successful expedition. Using the map, what information is present or missing that could impact the outcome of your expedition.