Maps of infrastructure visualize what it’s possible for people to do. Maps of flow show what they actually do. The 2 may diverge sharply. The distinction between maps of infrastructure and maps of flow matters to me because I think it can help explain certain misconceptions and misunderstandings about our connected world. My contention is that we tend to assume more connections than actually exist. We see a map of infrastructure that shows it’s possible to fly from Antananarivo to Albania and assume, on an unconscious level, that the connection is routine, frequent, common.

2015-08-27: Interactive globe with trade as little dots of light.

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