Mapmatics: How We Navigate the World Through Numbers

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'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 book is for you' - JOHN GRIBBIN How does a delivery driver distribute hundreds of packages in a single day Why can maps influence elections Where should we look for serial killers The answers lie in the connection between maps and maths. ---------- Mathematician Dr Paulina Rowinska explores the mathematical foundations of maps and cartography's impact on mathematics. From sixteenth-century maps which we still use on our phones to public transport maps that both guide and mislead, she uncovers how maps and maths shape our sense of space and time, and our worldview. Through engaging stories, unforgettable characters and real-world examples, Mapmatics reveals the mathematical techniques behind maps and how they help us better understand - and care for - the world around us. ---------- 'This book blew my mind, again and again' - Roma Agrawal, author of Built 'Entertaining, illuminating . . . An engaging look at a fascinating subject' - New Scientist 'An expansive journey through time and place' - The Observer

Reviews

A wonderfully readable adventure through the mathematic poetry of mapping. Dr Rowinska has created something really special, a book that celebrates the science and ideas behind the cartographic art with tales of everything fascinating, from criminal geography to ancient earthquake detectors. 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

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. She has created interactive maths and data science content for Brilliant, an educational company. Mapmatics is her first book.