Debunking the Myth: Why Australia/New Zealand Isnt Directly Close to Western North America

In today's world, it's common to see Australia and New Zealand depicted as being relatively close to Western North America on flat maps. However, this perception is largely due to the way maps are projected, which can distort distances and sizes of landmasses, especially at higher latitudes. In reality, these regions are situated in different hemispheres and the shortest distance between them follows a great circle route, often looking curved on flat maps.

Why the Perception Is Misleading

The Mercator projection, one of the most widely used map projections, is particularly guilty of distorting the size and distance of landmasses, especially as you move towards the poles. On such a map, the landmasses near the equator appear smaller relative to their actual size, while regions near the poles appear disproportionately large. This can lead to a false sense of proximity between Australia/New Zealand and Western North America.

Real Geography Unveiled

Australia and New Zealand lie in the Southern Hemisphere, while Western North America is in the Northern Hemisphere. The shortest distance between two points on the Earth's surface is along a great circle route, which often looks curved on flat maps. This is because the Earth is a sphere, and the shortest path between two points on a sphere is a curve that follows the surface of the globe, not a straight line as seen on a flat map.

Travel Routes: Beyond Proximity

Several factors contribute to the detours in travel routes between Australia/New Zealand and Western North America:

Great Circle Routes: Flights often follow great circle routes, which can look curved on flat maps. These routes are determined by the geometry of the Earth and represent the shortest path. Air Traffic Regulations: Air routes are influenced by air traffic control regulations, which can necessitate detours for safety and efficiency. These regulations ensure that aircraft maintain safe distances and avoid hazardous weather patterns. Geographic Barriers: Natural obstacles like mountains and oceans can also determine flight paths, leading to longer routes. For instance, the vast Pacific Ocean often dictates the direction of travel between Australia/New Zealand and Western North America. Stopovers: Many flights, especially trans-Pacific flights, may have stopovers in other cities, such as those in Asia or the Pacific Islands, to refuel or for other logistical reasons. These stopovers significantly add to the total travel time.

The Reality of Travel: Lessons from Maps and GLOBES

As the saying goes, 'everyone says NZ to the wet coast is the way to go,' but recent developments have made this route even more efficient. Thanks to refinements in air traffic regulations and improved technologies, some flights no longer need to refuel in Hawaii, making the journey from New Zealand to the West Coast of the United States around 12 hours. This is a testament to the evolving nature of air travel and the influence of commercial realities on routing.

Spain, the true antipodes to New Zealand, provides a fascinating comparison. If not for commercial realities, New Zealand might route flights in the direction of Spain. However, the practicality of routing is a crucial factor in determining travel routes. Given the vast distances involved and the need for efficient and safe travel, commercial airlines must carefully plan these routes.

When considering distances between places, it's always best to use a globe rather than a map. A spherical representation of the Earth provides a more accurate understanding of distances and routes. A toy inflatable globe can offer valuable insights into world politics and geography, teaching us the importance of understanding spherical geometry in our daily lives.

Conclusion

While the flat map may suggest proximity, the actual geography and flight logistics result in longer travel routes between Australia/New Zealand and Western North America. Understanding the principles behind map projections and the complexities of air travel helps us appreciate the reality behind these long journeys.