this way up when maps go wrong

just now 1
Nature

The phrase "this way up when maps go wrong" likely refers to the title and theme of a recent book and project called "This Way Up: When Maps Go Wrong (and Why It Matters)" by the Map Men (Mark Cooper-Jones and Jay Foreman). The book explores fascinating and often humorous cartographic errors and map blunders from history and modern times. It investigates how maps have misled people and the importance of these mistakes in understanding geography and navigation. The phrase "this way up" is commonly seen on packages to indicate orientation, but in the context of maps going wrong, it suggests the challenges and confusion that arise when maps are incorrect or misleading. The Map Men use engaging storytelling to explain these cartographic mishaps and their wider significance.

In summary, "this way up when maps go wrong" relates to the exploration of incorrect or misleading maps and their impacts, based on a popular recent book and YouTube channel dedicated to this topic. The phrase underscores the humorous yet important role of maps in our world and the problems when they don't work as intended.