Equal area in plain language
On an equal-area map, a region covering one percent of Earth's surface occupies one percent of the mapped surface. That relationship holds regardless of whether the region is near the equator or closer to a pole.
Equal area does not mean perfect shape
Preserving area does not simultaneously preserve every coastline angle, distance or direction. Some shapes must bend or stretch. Equal Earth aims for a visually balanced compromise while keeping area relationships correct.
Why thematic maps benefit
When colour represents population, emissions, forests or another global indicator, readers mentally combine colour with visual footprint. Equal-area geography prevents projection enlargement from giving polar regions extra visual weight before the data is even considered.
Sources and further reading
Continue with the Equal Earth projection guide, try the interactive map, or review our methodology.