Mapmatics

How We Navigate the World Through Numbers

By: Paulina Rowinska

Narrated by: Kristin Atherton

Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

'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.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2024 Paulina Rowinska (P)2024 Macmillan Publishers International Limited

Critic reviews

'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)

'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. It’s no exaggeration to say I learned something new on almost every page.' (Kit Yates, author of How to Expect the Unexpected)