Mapmatics

More about the book

A gripping exploration of how cartography shapes our world and impacts our daily lives. How does a delivery driver manage hundreds of packages in a day? Why are maps instrumental in winning elections? Where should we search for serial killers? The answers lie in the vital connection between maps and mathematics. Mathematician Dr. Paulina Rowinska embarks on a captivating journey to uncover the mathematical foundations of cartography and its influence on mathematics. She discusses everything from a sixteenth-century map that remains essential for navigation today to public transport maps that both guide and mislead passengers. Through entertaining stories, surprising real-world examples, and a cast of unforgettable characters, the narrative reveals how maps and maths shape our perception of space and time, as well as our worldview. By illuminating the workings of our world, it equips us to care for it better. The book promises insights into intriguing questions, such as why an airliner from London to Los Angeles flies over Greenland and how we understand what lies beneath the Earth's surface. It offers an engaging look at a fascinating subject, making complex ideas accessible and enjoyable.