Getting Started with TrueSize.net

Welcome! This quick tutorial shows you how to compare the true size of countries and regions, explore historical maps, and share what you create.

Intro walkthrough: select regions and move them.

How It Works

1. Select Countries & Regions (modern or historical)

Search by name, ISO code, or pick a historical time period
Click to add modern countries, sub‑regions (e.g. US states), or historical territories

Search panel and list of countries with time period selector

2. Move & Compare

Drag countries anywhere to compare true size at different latitudes
Shift + drag selection box for multi‑select group moves
Hold R and drag to rotate precisely
Sizes stay accurate because transformations occur on a sphere first

Dragging a country to a different latitude for size comparison

3. Customize Appearance

Switch between flag rendering and random color palette
Toggle 2D map vs 3D globe
Change basemap: OpenStreetMap, Satellite, Hybrid
Enable/disable holonomy (realistic orientation change on a sphere)

Flag color toggle showing a country switching between flag texture and flat color

Copy the URL hash (compressed) to share your exact setup
Export transformed geometry as GeoJSON
Import your own GeoJSON / TopoJSON for custom analysis

Share dialog showing URL copy option

Next: Start by selecting countries.