View Full Version : Shrinking Caithness?
I did realise the BBC weather map sort of skewed the map of the UK but had not realised how bad the distortion was!
See http://www.flickr.com/photos/caleyseoras/6775782187/
Complaints can be posted to the BBC at
https://ssl.bbc.co.uk/complaints/forms/?reset=#anchor or http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints/complain-online/
We need our kids to have a basic idea of geography and the BBC are really not helping things - they should know better!
Ballymore
22-Sep-13, 19:46
Complaint left!
Let me guess.
You're stupid, aren't you?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Map_projection
but, but, but please miss, the world isn't really flat is it?
David Banks
22-Sep-13, 23:55
From your first link, it looks to me that things have improved since the 70's.
They used to have Orkney and Shetland wandering off somewhere east of Aberdeen in the North Sea, which drove me nuts (ah, that explains a lot for me).
Newsflash. The earth is a sphere.
They used to have Orkney and Shetland wandering off somewhere east of Aberdeen in the North Sea,
That's why they claim all the oil.
I did realise the BBC weather map sort of skewed the map of the UK but had not realised how bad the distortion was!
See http://www.flickr.com/photos/caleyseoras/6775782187/
Complaints can be posted to the BBC at
https://ssl.bbc.co.uk/complaints/forms/?reset=#anchor or http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints/complain-online/
We need our kids to have a basic idea of geography and the BBC are really not helping things - they should know better!
For goodness sake its not distortion, its projection. The Earth is a globe and has to be flattened out to make into Maps etc.
All Navigation charts are in Mercators Projection and the view differs from the Equator to the Poles. Why teach your children geography from a BBC Weather map?? get an atlas or a globe.
Large chip on shoulder I think the OP has,:D;)
Complaint left!
You've certainly given the BBC a good laugh about Caithness people. Thanks!
Even Chance
23-Sep-13, 12:16
Why are you having a go at the OP?
I think they have a point. The map is shown in perspective view, and as such, Caithness and Orkney/Shetland in progressive order are more difficult to see on TV's that arent as big as a whole wall.
Furthermore, when they show the name "Stornoway" on the map, it obliterates the whole of the North Coast. Thats over 100 miles of area that are covered over by one wee word.
I despair for the OP's kids if the extent of their geography education is from the BBC weather bulletin. What's next, mathematics from deal or no deal?
oldchemist
23-Sep-13, 16:58
I learned French from the side of an HP sauce bottle.
We'd have much better weather if they made Caithness the big bit at the bottom.
http://thepsychedelicsewingroom.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/topographic_map_of_the_uk.jpg
secrets in symmetry
24-Sep-13, 00:41
I think they have a point. The map is shown in perspective view, and as such, Caithness and Orkney/Shetland in progressive order are more difficult to see on TV's that arent as big as a whole wall.Yes, it's perspective, and it's not a crazy thing to do on TV. The UK is a tall skinny country, and today's TVs tend to be much wider than they are high. Viewing the country from above, but at a non-zero angle from the vertical, and using perspective makes it appear shorter without squashing it.
The effect has nothing to do with projection, which would have little effect on the relative size of Scotland versus England - because the UK is small on a global scale. In fact, Mercator projection, for example, would make Scotland look bigger relative to England, not smaller!
http://thepsychedelicsewingroom.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/topographic_map_of_the_uk.jpg
Ahh! That's why Alex Salmond's head looks so funny.
Better Out Than In
24-Sep-13, 14:52
Need to use a globe to get perspective right. Or a round telly
neilsermk1
24-Sep-13, 15:52
Newsflash. The earth is a sphere.
No its not its an oblate spheriod
Yes, but you can get a cream for those.
Ballymore
30-Sep-13, 17:31
Here's the reply I got from the BBC today about Shrinking Caithness:
Thank you for contacting us about our BBC News weather maps.
We understand you’re unhappy with the map of the United Kingdom as it appears on our weather reports, as you feel Scotland has been ‘shrunk’.
In respect of the map itself and the tilt of the land, we use this angle so we can enrich the graphical display of meteorological products. If the map were shown from above, we would not be able to show topography or rain particles falling for example. This graphical representation is an integral part of the 3D system, and enables us to display different types of precipitation, including rain and snow particles, and therefore enhancing the delivery of information to the viewer.
We do 'tour' the UK on our weather map to give as much detail as we can but clearly we have limits on the broadcast time available. Approximately 40 seconds is given over to this fly-through and this is spread evenly as the camera moves around the map. As a result we do believe that we give equal detail to all areas and if the weather story is significant we do start the tour in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Northern England.
During the rest of the forecast the presenter will point out key parts of the weather story which does mean that not every Nation or Region will be name checked, however, the weather forecast is displayed on the map throughout.
Nevertheless, we appreciate you feel strongly about this. To that end, we’d like to assure you we’ve registered your comments on our daily audience log. This is a summary of audience feedback, which is made available to BBC Weather, senior editorial staff and management throughout the BBC. It is used to help inform future decisions about ways to improve our content.
Thanks again for contacting us.
Kind Regards
Adam Crockard
BBC Complaints
www.bbc.co.uk/complaints (http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints)
Here's the reply I got from the BBC today about Shrinking Caithness:
Thank you for contacting us about our BBC News weather maps.
We understand you’re unhappy with the map of the United Kingdom as it appears on our weather reports, as you feel Scotland has been ‘shrunk’.
In respect of the map itself and the tilt of the land, we use this angle so we can enrich the graphical display of meteorological products. If the map were shown from above, we would not be able to show topography or rain particles falling for example. This graphical representation is an integral part of the 3D system, and enables us to display different types of precipitation, including rain and snow particles, and therefore enhancing the delivery of information to the viewer.
We do 'tour' the UK on our weather map to give as much detail as we can but clearly we have limits on the broadcast time available. Approximately 40 seconds is given over to this fly-through and this is spread evenly as the camera moves around the map. As a result we do believe that we give equal detail to all areas and if the weather story is significant we do start the tour in Scotland, Northern Ireland or Northern England.
During the rest of the forecast the presenter will point out key parts of the weather story which does mean that not every Nation or Region will be name checked, however, the weather forecast is displayed on the map throughout.
Nevertheless, we appreciate you feel strongly about this. To that end, we’d like to assure you we’ve registered your comments on our daily audience log. This is a summary of audience feedback, which is made available to BBC Weather, senior editorial staff and management throughout the BBC. It is used to help inform future decisions about ways to improve our content.
Thanks again for contacting us.
Kind Regards
Adam Crockard
BBC Complaints
www.bbc.co.uk/complaints (http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints)
A fair and balanced reply
In other words, the BBC have made the complaint visible to the entire nation, just to rub it in how daft the Caithness complaints comittee really are...
Is this better??
21198
secrets in symmetry
30-Sep-13, 23:11
A fair and balanced replyIndeed.
The Scottish Weather forecast gives you a good bit more detail, plus you get to watch the delicious Gillian Smart. :cool:
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