The True Size Of lets you type in the name of any country or state, see the statistics on its true size, and then you can drag it as an overlay and “they’ll dynamically shift to show how big they are relative to each other.”
It’s perfect to help students understand the shortcomings of a Mercator projection.
Coincidentally, today and tomorrow we’re comparing maps and globes in my English Language Learner Geography class, so this site will definitely come in handy.
The quote I used earlier in this post came from a great explanation of the site, and the challenges of a Mercator projection, that appeared on Vox. They also share a fun clip from The West Wing TV show on the issue.
I’m adding “The True Size Of” to The Best Sites For Introducing English Language Learners To Geography.
Hello, Larry:
I am always impressed by the resources you find. I agree understanding place size is a very hard concept for all students. I live in Massachusetts, where the kids thing we’re the biggest state in the US – then I show them the state sitting on top of Texas..! It’s always amazing to watch their faces..
I also use two other sites that offer comparison tools: http://www.comparea.org/ & http://www.ifitweremyhome.com/
The first offers land masses that you can move. The second site, if you allow it to determine your location, superimposes any region right on top of where you are.
Anything that can get the students to understand how vast these areas are is a bonus.
Thanks again!