There are many ways to make a flat map of the world – each of them a unique distortion

As almost everyone learns in primary school, it’s impossible to represent a round object on a flat surface without imposing some major distortions. But the concept has perhaps never been as clearly or amusingly demonstrated as in this stop-motion animation from 1947. Using clay moulds, grapefruits, radishes and red paint to make its point, the vintage educational short cleverly demonstrates how each and every flat map of the world represents a grand compromise.