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Frequently Asked Questions
Why are globes tilted?
Most of the globes we sell are made to tilt at an angle of 23.5º to match the actual tilt of the earth in relationship to our sun. Incidentally, it is this tilting of the earth relative to the sun, rather than its changing distance from the sun, that causes the seasons to change and gives us more daylight hours at certain times of the year.
What is a 'Gyromatic' Globe?
A Gyromatic globe is a globe that spins on two axis'. Most globes spin on one, fixed semi-meridian, whereas Gyromatic ones have a full-round meridian like the globe below - so you can see the South Pole by simply rotating the meridian, which would subsequently turn the globe-ball upside down
How do you find a place on a globe? How do you look up a place based on latitude and longitude?
Because a globe is round with no beginning or end, there are two imaginary reference lines from which all distances and locations are determined - the equator and prime meridian. Both the equator and the prime meridian intersect at point "0", where all numbering starts with longitude and latitude lines.
Locations are uniquely identified on a globe by the point where the longitude and latitude lines intersect, i.e., Dallas, Texas is located 33º north (latitude) 97º west (longitude).
Equator: Runs east and west around the exact middle of the globe.
Prime Meridian: Imaginary line running from pole to pole and passing through Greenwich, England.
Longitude: Imaginary lines running parallel with the prime meridian through each pole and numbered in 15º increments.
Latitude: Imaginary lines running around the globe parallel to the equator and are numbered at 10º or 15º increments.
What's the difference between the beige and blue colored globes?
Antique, beige colored globes are produced to resemble ancient parchment, with an "Old World" appearance often preferred in home or office settings. The geographic information is up-to-date and the antique appearance is done for its esthetic appeal.
The blue globes have ocean areas in blue and usually consist of highly contrasting, colorful, political boundaries. The youth market often prefers the realistic appearance of these globes.
How many different maps do are used?
Currently we have over 100 different maps in over 15 languages. This is due to the globes' different sizes, languages, and styles, and because some customers supply their own maps to us for private label globes.
What is that little round dial at the North Pole?
It's called a time dial and is used to compare time around the world.
Why do some globes have a metal ring or semi-ring around them?
Most Replogle® globes have a metal ring either full circle or half (semi) circle. These rings are called meridians and they are generally numbered in degrees from 0º at the equator to 90º at either pole. Originally, meridians were used to help locate positions on the globe, but since our globes have the longitude and latitude lines on the maps, the numbers on the meridian have become less important. The ring itself still serves to hold the globe ball in position.
Which place names are used on our globes?
Subject to space limitations, we attempt to list all nations and capitals, then the biggest city in that country or state, or an important city. There are more names on the coastline because there is room for them. If a city has some importance other than size or a capital, then it's added. The US Government has a list of names for cities and countries outside North America that they call 'conventional' names. They are easier to understand than the literal translation and are why our maps show Finland, for example, and not Suomi.
Tell me more about the raised relief (elevation) feature available on some globes.
Globes with raised relief better emphasize the mountainous areas of the world. They are there so that you can see and feel the mountains although their actual height on the globe does not have any relationship to the true relative heights of the mountain ranges.
Raised relief is found on 9", 12" and 16" diameter non-illuminated press craft globes and on 12" and 16" vinyl globes. On a smaller globe, it would be difficult to maintain any degree of accuracy. On a very large diameter globe, i.e., 20" & 32", the method of manufacturing doesn't lend itself to incorporating this feature.
Why a globe instead of an atlas?
An atlas complements a globe and a globe complements an atlas. When used together, each has features that become excellent references and teaching tools. The advantage of a globe is that the world in its entirety is depicted on a sphere, showing land masses, countries and regions in true proportion. In addition, globes are an attractive decorative accessory for both home and office.
What is the purpose of a compass rose on a map?
The compass rose was traditionally used on early maps to designate wind direction and intensity at different parts of the world. Replogle continues to place a compass rose on many globe maps for its beauty and information.
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