Why Is the UK at the Centre of World Maps?

The People's Countryside Environmental Debate Podcast

Join us for an insightful and engaging exploration of maps, time zones, and their connections to our shared history. Is the centre of the world map a reflection of colonial legacies, or is it a matter of practicality and tradition? Listen in to find out!

This is the podcast where we explore thought-provoking questions from our listeners. In this episode, Debs from Didcot, Oxfordshire, England, sparks a captivating discussion with her question: "Most world maps have the UK at the centre. Is this because of the time zones or a subtle link back to our colonial pasts?"

Your co-hosts, Stuart 'The Wildman' Mabbutt and William Mankelow, embark on a journey to uncover the complexities of map representation, time zones, and their historical connections.

William kicks off the conversation by highlighting how maybe the centre of a map depends on where you buy it, and how it can vary between an atlas and a map. Stuart directs the focus to world maps, and the relationship between their layout and time zones, suggesting a connection to colonial history.

The discussion delves into the concept of perspective, William speculates on how our perspective could change if viewed from an extraterrestrial standpoint, alluding to common sci-fi and alien invasion depictions.

To add an interactive element, William recommends a practical experiment: turning your phone's map so that south becomes the top. It's a thought-provoking exercise that challenges preconceived notions about map orientation..

What do you make of this discussion? Do you have a question that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by sending an email to ⁠[e-mail]

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This podcast's overall themes are nature, philosophy, climate, the human condition, sustainability, and social justice.
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