The power of representation: why how scientists visualise the world matters

The Lancet Global Health 2026 Open access

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Authors: Felix Teufel, Erica L. Kocher, Caroline A. Bulstra
DOI: 10.1016/s2214-109x(25)00520-0
Cited by: 0
References: 4

Abstract

Given growing amounts of global health data, world maps increasingly shape how scientists and policymakers perceive global disease burdens and locate solutions to critical health issues. Leading peer-reviewed health journals publish articles that use a variety of map projections, including the widely criticised Mercator projection1–3 that graphically deflates world regions where most low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) are located. In August, 2025, the African Union endorsed a campaign aimed at replacing the Mercator projection with more suitable alternatives.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Historical Geography and Cartography Data Visualization and Analytics Geographic Information Systems Studies

Publication details

Journal / source
The Lancet Global Health
Volume
14
Issue
3
Pages
e321–e323
Publication date
16 February 2026
Language
EN