| JianShou, Great info about the map. I remember coming out of a PVG Metro station once assuming North was at the top of the map. It wasn't long before I figured it out. I also liked your explaination about the gate names. It's all a matter of persepctive. A couple of thoughts. Your reader stated the map was "upside down". Not really. North was just not at the top. As I said, it's all a matter of perspective. Many of us are used to North being at the top, which is not always good. Ever look at a fire evacuation "map" in a hotel room? It should be orientated for the direction you are looking at it. If the "map" shows the closest exit is on the right then when you exit your door you should turn right. In an emergency one shouldn't have to think about interpreting the "map" because it is oriented North. How about this: When driving a car or flying a plane it is not unusual to orient the map/chart in the direction you are driving/flying so the perspective is correct for what you see. If you see mountains on your right then some people find it easier to look for them on the right of your path on the map/chart. However, some folks just keep the map/chart with north on the top and orientate themselves mentally. Whatever works. Concerning the Mahjong map and winds. Here's a fact: An east wind blows west. When we navigate using a compass we describe the direction we are going TO. When we describe winds, we describe where they are blowing FROM. So... on a compass, an easterly wind would be blowing from the east and toward the west. Again, just a matter of perspective. George |
Why Maps in Shanghai are Upside Down?