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Questions and Answers
Which direction is typically considered as 'up' on most maps today?
Which direction is typically considered as 'up' on most maps today?
- South
- West
- East
- North (correct)
What direction did ancient cultures typically consider as 'up' on their maps?
What direction did ancient cultures typically consider as 'up' on their maps?
- West
- East
- South (correct)
- None of the above
Why did maps with words written in multiple directions fall out of favor quickly?
Why did maps with words written in multiple directions fall out of favor quickly?
- They were considered outdated
- They were too expensive to produce
- They were too large to handle
- They were difficult to read (correct)
Which famous author couldn't imagine an alternative orientation for Middle Earth?
Which famous author couldn't imagine an alternative orientation for Middle Earth?
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Which maps are mentioned as examples of having north at the top?
Which maps are mentioned as examples of having north at the top?
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Study Notes
Map Orientation
- On most modern maps, "up" is typically considered to be north.
- In contrast, ancient cultures often considered "up" to be towards the east or the rising sun.
- Maps with words written in multiple directions, known as "polyoriental" maps, fell out of favor quickly due to readability and practicality issues.
- J.R.R. Tolkien, the famous author of The Lord of the Rings, was unable to imagine an alternative orientation for Middle Earth, with north at the top.
- Examples of maps with north at the top include the Mercator projection and the Gall-Peters projection.
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