We are Auke and Frans, and together we founded Atlasova

Atlasova is where my passions for maps and graphic design intersect. Since childhood, I've been fascinated by maps, often sketching imaginary worlds. The Atlas was my go-to read, and my uncle further fueled my interest by teaching me about distant lands and cultures.

As a child, I once believed Auckland was a city filled with people named Auke. This whimsical idea came to me when my dad hung a world map next to my bed when I was 5 years old. Now, almost thirty years later, I know Auckland is just a regular city, but that moment ignited my passion for geography. Ever since, I haven't been able to stop looking at maps.

At Atlasova, we believe that maps are more than just geographical representations. They are powerful storytelling tools that have the ability to transcend cultural boundaries and foster unity among diverse communities. Through our maps, we aim to bridge gaps between people from different backgorund, allowing them to connect on a deeper level by highlighting shared experiences and commonalities.

Central to our ethos are the values of freedom, transparency and equality. We strive to create maps that are accessible to all, free form biases or hidden agendas. Our commitment to transparency means that we openly share our methods and sources, empowering our audience to engage with our content critically and constructively.

Moreover, we believe in the importance of equality, both in representation and opportunity. Our maps aim to amplify voices that are often marginalized or underrepresented, shedding light on overlooked perspectives and narratives. By embraing diversity and inclusivity, we aspire to create a more equitable world where everyone's story is heard and valued.

In addition to these core values, our approach is infused with humor, self-awareness and perspective. We recognize that maps, like all forms of media, are subjective interpretations of reality, and we encourage our audience to approach them with a sense of curiosity and open-mindedness. Through lightheartedness and introspection, we strive to spark meaningful conversations and encourage critical thinking about the world around us.

The genesis of Atlasova dates back to the summer of 2021 when Frans and Auke brainstormed ideas for a geography-focused Youtube channel. Despite initial Reddit criticism of Frans's self-designed maps, they persevered and produced their first long-form YouTube video by April 2021. Auke's suggestion to share maps on instagram led to unexpected popularity, eclipsing their YouTube efforts.