Flat Earth Map: Gleason’s New Standard Map Of The World & Square and Stationary Earth

The map above is titled: Gleason’s New Standard Map Of The World and is a silly, but great example of a flat earth map. You can even buy a copy on Amazon here.

It was created by Alexander Gleason and first published in 1892.

The map is an azimuthal equidistant projection that places the North Pole at the center and expands outward, showing the continents in a flat, circular layout.

This type of map is often associated with flat-earth theories.

Here are some key points about the map:

1. Azimuthal Equidistant Projection: The map is based on this projection, which is scientifically used for various purposes, such as showing the most accurate flight distances from a central point (in this case, the North Pole). While it is an accurate representation for certain uses, this projection distorts the size and shape of continents, particularly toward the outer edges.
2. Association with Flat Earth: Gleason’s map is frequently cited by proponents of flat earth theories. The text on the map, such as “As it is,” reflects Gleason’s belief that this projection represents the earth’s true layout. It’s important to note that this map has no scientific backing as an accurate depiction of the Earth’s geography.
3. Time and Longitude Calculator: The outer red band of the map features Roman numerals, which are intended to serve as a longitude and time calculator. Gleason’s map attempted to offer a practical application for calculating time zones and longitudinal positions, though its accuracy is questionable.
4. Historical Context: This map was created during a period when certain alternative theories about the Earth’s shape and structure were more prominent. It was part of a broader context of pseudo-scientific movements at the time, despite the established spherical model of the Earth.

In summary, while Gleason’s New Standard Map of the World is an interesting historical artifact, it is primarily known for its role in flat earth discussions rather than for any scientific accuracy regarding the Earth’s geography.

Below is an alternative flat earth map from around the same time.

Map of the Square and Stationary Earth

The map above is titled Map of the Square and Stationary Earth by Professor Orlando Ferguson and can also be purchased from Amazon here.

It was first published in 1893.

This map is a peculiar and historically significant example of a flat-earth model that blends pseudoscience with religious scripture.

Here are key aspects of this map:

1. Square Earth Model: Unlike the more typical circular flat-earth models, Ferguson’s map presents the Earth as square with rounded corners. The depiction includes a concave structure, suggesting a dish-like depression with elevated edges, much like a bowl.
2. Religious Justification: The map prominently cites biblical passages to argue against the “globe theory” and support the notion of a stationary, flat Earth. Passages from the Bible are presented at the bottom of the map, interpreted by Ferguson to claim that the Earth is both flat and unmoving, rejecting the idea of a spinning or orbiting globe.
3. Visual Details: The map shows landmasses distributed within the concave Earth, with angels and other religious symbols surrounding it. There’s also a figure of Professor Ferguson included, lending a sense of authority and credibility to the map.
4. Critique of Mainstream Science: The annotations on the map directly challenge the widely accepted scientific understanding of the Earth as a globe. In the top-right corner, a satirical illustration mocks the idea of people “hanging upside down” on a globe Earth, attempting to ridicule gravitational theory.
5. Commercial Aspect: The map also served as a promotional tool. The text at the bottom encourages viewers to purchase a book by Ferguson that elaborates on his square Earth model and claims to teach methods for predicting eclipses.
6. Historical Context: This map was created during a time when alternative models of the Earth persisted in certain circles despite the overwhelming scientific consensus supporting the globe model. It represents a blend of 19th-century flat-earth theories and religious literalism.

It is a unique artifact of 19th-century pseudoscience, illustrating a flat-earth model that stands out for its square shape and heavy reliance on religious arguments to reject mainstream astronomy.

It reflects both the persistence of alternative worldviews and the lengths some individuals went to in order to reconcile their beliefs with the physical world.

Of course taken to it’s logical extreme you end up with:

Map credit The World In Maps

Why do people believe in the idea of flat earth?

The belief in a flat Earth persists for several reasons, often rooted in a combination of psychological, social, and ideological factors.

Here’s a breakdown of why some people still subscribe to flat-earth theories:

1. Mistrust of Authority and Science

• Flat-earth believers often express deep skepticism toward mainstream science, government agencies (like NASA), and educational institutions. They see these institutions as part of a broader conspiracy to deceive the public. This mistrust is often reinforced by historical examples of real conspiracies, which can make people more susceptible to believing in grand conspiracies like the flat-earth theory.

2. Confirmation Bias

• People tend to seek out information that supports their pre-existing beliefs and dismiss evidence that contradicts them. For flat-earth believers, any data or theory that contradicts the globe model is more likely to be accepted, while evidence supporting the scientific consensus is rejected as fake or manipulated.

3. Appeal to Intuition and “Common Sense”

• The flat-earth theory often appeals to what people can directly observe with their senses. For instance, they argue that the Earth looks flat from our vantage point, water appears to lie flat, and we don’t feel the Earth spinning. For some, these seemingly intuitive observations outweigh scientific explanations, which they see as overly complicated or contrived.

4. Distrust in Complex Explanations

• The scientific understanding of the world involves complex concepts like gravity, the curvature of space-time, and orbital mechanics. For those with limited education in these areas, simpler explanations, like a flat and stationary Earth, can feel more accessible and believable.

5. Echo Chambers and Online Communities

• The internet has enabled like-minded individuals to find each other and form communities that reinforce their beliefs. Social media platforms and video-sharing sites like YouTube are particularly effective at spreading flat-earth content. In these echo chambers, any dissenting views are quickly dismissed or mocked, while reinforcing content is amplified.

6. Desire for Uniqueness and Community

• Believing in a fringe theory like the flat-earth model can give individuals a sense of identity, uniqueness, and belonging. They feel part of a small group that sees through the lies of the mainstream, which can be empowering and provide a sense of purpose.

7. Religious or Ideological Reasons

• Some flat-earth believers are motivated by religious convictions. They interpret certain religious texts, like the Bible, in ways that they believe support a flat Earth. In these cases, accepting the globe model is seen as contradicting their faith.

8. Rejection of Modernity

• The flat-earth belief often aligns with a broader rejection of modern scientific views and a preference for pre-modern or alternative worldviews. For some, this is part of a broader ideology that opposes the “elitism” of modern science and celebrates simpler, more “natural” ways of understanding the world.

9. Psychological Comfort

• Believing in a grand conspiracy can provide psychological comfort by offering simple answers to complex questions. It allows adherents to feel like they have special knowledge that others lack, giving them a sense of control or superiority.

Also see: Flat Earth “Globe” and 1587 Flat Earth Map.