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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. Create Map Posters

Enter Poster Preview to turn any city, country, island, or region into printable wall art
Tune frame style, paper fade, vignette, title, subtitle, font, all-caps, and letter spacing
Export poster artwork as PNG, PDF, or SVG in screen, print, social, and wallpaper sizes

Printable map poster example created in TrueSize poster mode

Copy the URL hash (compressed) to share your exact setup
Export transformed geometry as GeoJSON, TopoJSON, KML, or Shapefile ZIP
Import GeoJSON, TopoJSON, KML, GPX, or a zipped Shapefile for custom analysis

Share dialog showing URL copy option

Next: Start by selecting countries.