South at the top—why not?
The universe is not north-centric. But it is logical to orient world maps aligned to Earth’s axis, with either north or south at the top. North has become the convention only because most people (and mapmakers) live in the northern hemisphere.
This is a special version of the Equal Earth map centered on Oceania (150E) and flipped upside down. Everything that was once familiar now looks unfamiliar. Water dominates the remote southern hemisphere, encircling the planet uninterrupted near Antarctica. I couldn't resist putting an albatross on the map.
Also visit the main Equal Earth website for versions of this map with north orientation and in multiple languages.
Tom Patterson
June 16, 2025
Map downloads - Pick the version best for you
Austral Earth - The World Turned Upside Down
Terms of use
The Austral Earth map is in the public domain. Use it any way that you want. You are not required to cite the map.
Acknowledgement
A big thanks to Giacomo Bonanno for doing the initial "upside down" work on this map and for encouraging me to finish it.
Modifying and repurposing the map
Layered Adobe Illustrator file with MAPublisher georeferencing and terrain art, 48.4 MB
Map without type
Contact me
I will periodically update the map. Please let me know about major features to include or any problems that you find.
Thanks!
Tom Patterson Bio
Online viewing and printing
The map at full size measures 140 x 75 centimeters (55 x 29.5 inches).
Version 1.0, June 16, 2025 Change Log