7 replies to this topic

[frax]

It just stuck me today, the UN logo must be one of the world's most reproduced maps, and I would be curious to know more about the history behind it. Not that I have done that much research... yet
From the Dag Hammarskjöld library
The document that describes it

Apparently the design was made by the US Strategic Services office, I'd be curious if there is a name behind the design...

The current United Nations emblem was approved on 7 December 1946. The design is "a map of the world representing an azimuthal equidistant projection centred on the North Pole, inscribed in a wreath consisting of crossed conventionalized branches of the olive tree, in gold on a field of smoke-blue with all water areas in white. The projection of the map extends to 60 degrees south latitude, and includes five concentric circles".

[Matthew Hampton]

Where's the field of smoke-blue?

[MapMedia]

I was thinking of a country outline on a currency or stamp, though none come to mind.

Though one thing for the UN logo, it is a map that, more often than not, tells people 'we are here to help', such as with UN WHO or peace keepers.

[Casey Greene]

Here's a great story about the emblem's design.

[sitesatlas]

The choice of projection was excellent, IMHO. For one thing, it shows the planet as round -- a cylindrical projection wouldn't have been as desirable both symbolically and esthetically. And at the same time, it allows all the world countries to be shown at once when most projections centered on lower latitudes can only show a hemisphere at a time.

[frax]

Casey, thanks for the link - sounds like just what I was looking for (haven't read it yet though).

[DaveB]

Here's a great story about the emblem's design.

Wow, great story! Thanks!

[Matthew Hampton]

I just saw a movie the other day with a geo-colleague and before the show started (Duplicity) I had the realization that the "Universal Studios" logo might be the most widely seen globe image. It's not really a map per se, but it has been around since 1925.

Here's more a link to more info on the logo.