Atlas of the Invisible: Maps and Graphics That Will Change How You See the World

The award-winning team of Cheshire and Uberti (London: The Information Capital; Where the Animals Go: Tracking Wildlife with Technology in 50 Maps and Graphics) collaborate for the third time in this unique volume. In the preface, Cheshire asserts that this atlas is intended as “an ode to the unseen, to a world of information that cannot be conveyed through text or numbers alone.” The authors uncover this world through striking maps and infographics divided into four chapters, titled “Where We’ve Been,” “Who We Are,” “How We’re Doing,” and “What We Face.” Highlights include infographics presenting data on light emissions around the globe, a map of the United States redrawn according to commuter hubs, and stats on bike share programs by city. “What We Face” dramatically demonstrates the effects of climate change through maps of receding glaciers, burn scars across the Earth, and even airplane turbulence. In addition, the volume provides a brief history of the statistical atlas as a form, information about the techniques cartographers use to depict the Earth on a flat page, and suggestions for further reading. The resulting atlas will enable readers to better understand the world and its challenges. Furthermore, as the authors express eloquently in the epilogue, it is designed to inspire readers to act.