Globes are smart alternatives to earth maps. A globe is a sphere shaped model of earth or any other celestial body. Simple and very complex globes are available on the market. In layman terms, globes are earth maps in spherical shape. The earth globes show either the earth’s political boundaries or the earth’s topography. In globes where topography is included, the mountain chains are shown as raised areas beyond the sphere surface. To the contrary, the valleys and canyons are shown as lowered areas. This accurate representation of the size of the mountain chains and valleys is to make them readily and clearly visible. Earth globes can create a fine decorative piece adding a adventurous feel to the decor of a room. Some large globes actually have the capacity to store items inside them such as bottles, blankets or other entertaining items.
Generally, globes are paper printed. Globes made of metal and other dense materials are also available. These globes have the topographical lines on the globe itself. Lately, globes have been made using small electromagnets in such a way that they rotate in the air between the magnets. Advantages with these types of globes are their pleasing look and affordability. These globes are very useful to teach children the concepts of countries and distances.
Like globes representing the Earth there are also globes representing other celestial bodies like the Moon, Mars, and other planets. There are star globes showing the stars or the path of some celestial bodies like the Sun, Moon and some planets and the constellations of the stars. These globes are very useful for those interested in astronomy. More interestingly, some globes attempt to depict fictional planets. Finally, there are globes known as virtual globes which contain huge information mapped beautifully in a computer program and can be viewed in a virtual atmosphere.
Earth maps are flat shaped representations of the Earth. There are hundreds of models of earth maps in almost all languages. Earth maps have been made in early times for nautical purposes and have come a long way. The different types of earth maps available today are apolitical maps, and physical maps. Earth maps can either be wall maps or foldable maps. The Earth maps showing the topography of the Earth, which are called topo or the national topographic system (NTS) maps, show all kinds of land features that may either be man- made or natural. The maps of the countries as well as their boundaries can clearly be seen.
The nautical charts also called hydrographic charts or lake maps are helpful for boaters as they show the detail of the presence of water and aeronautical charts are helpful for the pilots. Atlases are a collection of Earth maps that serve as useful guide to students of all age groups.