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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), continents, or historical territories
  • Access 270+ countries, 56,000+ subdivisions, and 6 continents for unmatched comparison granularity
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

4. Share & Export

  • 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.