This is interesting and so I forward it to you all ... -------- Original Message -------- Subject: FW: [MapHist] Map orientation and distance perception Date: Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:40:08 -0000 From: Francis Herbert <[log in to unmask]> Reply-To: A forum for issues related to map & spatial data librarianship <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] Perhaps this will interest some persons on this side of the Pond? Or not . . . -----Original Message----- *From:* [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]] *On Behalf Of *Helen Glazer *Sent:* 15 March 2010 15:19 *To:* Discussion group for map history *Subject:* [MapHist] Map orientation and distance perception An interesting little article is in the March/April 2010 Yale Alumni Magazine about a study by Joseph P. Simmons which “suggests that a lifetime of looking at maps in which north points up has influenced the way many think about distances and directions.” Simmons was more interested in this from a marketing perspective, e.g. people assume it will take longer to travel north than south and therefore will be more likely to cash in a coupon for a store south of them. http://www.yalealumnimagazine.com/issues/2010_03/findings_north031.html Helen Glazer, Creative Director George Glazer Gallery http://www.georgeglazer.com Antique Globes, Maps & Prints