Tom PattersonThe Equal Earth map projection. An accurate world map is something that has evaded cartographers for centuries. But this new design just might make distorted maps a thing of the past.

These models are like sophisticated maps ... the natural balance of Earth's climate system. Models must account for these anthropogenic factors to provide accurate predictions.

Now an accurate map of (almost) the whole Earth has become available. Thanks to the efforts of the Japanese Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) and NASA's ...