Mapmatics: How We Navigate the World Through Numbers

(Hardback)

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'Historical insights and human stories . . . Highly readable' - Ian Stewart, author of What's the Use 'An adventure' - Edward Brooke-Hitching, author of The Phantom Atlas How does a delivery driver distribute hundreds of packages in a single working day Why does remote Alaska have such a large airport Where should we look for elusive serial killers The answers lie in the crucial connection between maps and maths. In Mapmatics, Dr Paulina Rowinska embarks on a fascinating journey to discover the mathematical foundations of cartography and cartographical influences on mathematics. From a sixteenth-century map that remains an indispensable navigation tool despite emphasizing the North-South divide to public transport maps that both guide and mislead passengers, she reveals how maps and maths shape not only our sense of space and time but also our worldview. Through entertaining stories, surprising real-world examples and a cast of unforgettable characters, Mapmatics helps us to appreciate the mathematical methods and ideas behind maps. And, by illuminating how our world works, leaves us better equipped to understand and look after it.

Reviews

A wonderfully readable adventure . . . An essential guide that illuminates how much of our understanding of the world, the past, and indeed the people around us, is shaped by the mathematician and the mapmaker. -- Edward Brooke-Hitching, author of The Phantom Atlas
Opens our eyes to the use of 'mapmaking' in the broadest sense . . . If you have ever wondered why an airliner bound from London to Los Angeles flies over Greenland, how we know what lies inside the Earth, or how computers correct errors, then this is for you. I learned a lot. -- John Gribbin, author of Six Impossible Things
A highly readable account of how mathematics and mapmaking have joined forces to inform not only our view of the world, but our view of ourselves. The historical insights and human stories bring the whole topic vividly to life. -- Ian Stewart, author of What's the Use
This book blew my mind, again and again. Rowinska covers an astonishing range of topics from our brain to our planet, with personal stories and maths, yes, but also scrutinising the social and political impacts of maps on our lives. -- Roma Agrawal, author of Built
Guides you elegantly, like a beautifully drawn map, through the fascinating stories behind centuries of map-making . . . Highly entertaining. -- Tim James, author of Fundamental
Rowinska spins a fascinating story about the development of maps and maths. Its no exaggeration to say I learned something new on almost every page. -- Kit Yates, author of How to Expect the Unexpected
Tackles the connections between maths and maps with aplomb . . . engaging, and thought-provoking, and perfectly encapsulates much of the essence of map-making. -- Kenneth Field, author of Cartography
I love maps. I love math. And gosh, do I love this book, which so beautifully and clearly sounds the depths of both. -- Ben Orlin, author of Math with Bad Drawings
Blends broad subject expertise, magical storytelling skills and a splash of humour to ensure that the reader can joyfully navigate the maths of mapmaking. -- Bobby Seagull, author of The Life-Changing Magic of Numbers
A delightful journey into the mathematics of maps, globes, and world travel. Paulina Rowinska has a beautiful writing style and a wealth of important knowledge she will keep you engaged on every page. -- Jo Boaler, author of Limitless Mind
A delightful book! . . . Along the way, we encounter many curious characters, and learn a surprising amount about history and psychology. But at the end of our journey, as we follow the twists and turns of Rowinska's marvellous and often humorous prose, without the use of any formulas, we come away with an appreciation of the beauty and power of mathematics. -- Arthur Benjamin, author of The Magic of Math
What an incredible book! I was completely blown away by the sheer depth and profound impact maps have on how we humans see things, find things, make decisions, and even play politics. Paulina Rowinska's storytelling is pure magic, effortlessly bringing to life the history, science, and mind-bending mathematics behind it all. Truly, this book is an absolute gem! -- James Tanton, cofounder of The Global Math Project
Maps a riveting route through the past, present and even the potential future of mathematics. I loved it, and I learnt a lot! * Mithuna Yoganathan *

Author Bio

Dr Paulina Rowinska has a PhD in Mathematics of Planet Earth from Imperial College London. Her 2017 TEDx talk 'Let's Have a Maths Party!' explained that maths is all around us. Thanks to her science communication activities, in 2019 she received the Imperial College President's Award for Excellence in Societal Engagement. Today, she creates interactive content for a leading innovative educational company, Brilliant. Mapmatics is her first book.