Choosing Your Globe

This guide should make it easier for you to find exactly what you want, at a price that is friendly to your budget. Below is a list of features and relevant questions that you may want to consider when choosing the ideal globe for your needs.

What are the various types of globes?
When you know what room you will be keeping your globe in, there are a few things to consider. First, globes gee in a variety of sizes. Depending on where you want to put your globe, you may want to consider the diameter of the sphere, and whether you want a desktop, tabletop, or floor-standing globe.
Desktop Globes are smaller, more ornamental globes that are usually less than 9 in diameter. These desktop decorations are simple, do not occupy much space and often also function as piggybanks or pen-holders.
Table Globes are generally between 9 to 30 in diameter. They are larger than desktop models, and are usually more informative and detailed. This makes tabletop globes more serviceable as practical, functional models.
Floor Globes are usually the same diameter as tabletop model but have much taller bases. These models are more ornate, and have significant impact as stunning centerpieces.
Educational Globes are specifically designed to be used as teaching and learning tools. Teachers, adults, and children of all ages will enjoy the learning experience at various levels while examining the amazing dynamics of this globe.

What colors are available for globes?

Globes are available in an assortment of colors and are classified by which color the ocean is depicted: Antique globes have tanned parchment colors, giving an old-world look. Most globes will have the Traditional Blue ocean color-scheme with either earth-toned or brightly-colored continents. Black/White models have onyx-black oceans, with the option of white or colored continents. Translucent models have see-through continents with the option of clear or lucent-colored oceans.

What am I looking for in a globe?
You should consider what effect you intend to create with your globe. Perhaps you are interested in an aesthetic centerpiece to accent your room, or perhaps you are interested in a more practical globe. Maybe you want a globe that is pleasing in both form and function.
It is important to choose a globe that suits your needs. If you are looking for a magnificent centerpiece, it may not necessarily require particularly detailed political information or topographical data. However, more detailed globes tend to make better learning or teaching tools.
What are the various map features, and what details are illustrated? There are many types of globe-spheres. Those that show physical data, those that show political data, those that show celestial activity, even those with lunar features!
Physical Globes present information on naturally-occurring geographic features. Sometimes, topographical illustrations show distinguishable land and water elevation and vegetation patterns.
Political Globes provide information on man-made boundaries, such as territorial (state and country) divides and details on major cities and capitols. Certain globes contain 2-Way Data, where both physical and political data are presented.
Celestial Globes are models of the principle stars in the night sky. These cutting-edge globes track the motion of stars, planets and constellations in relation to our Earth.

What enhancing characteristics make certain globes unique?
Once you have chosen what kind of globe you want, note the various characteristics that distinguish them from one-another and select according to your tastes. Globes can have a variety of enhancing characteristics:

Illuminated Globes have internal bulbs that light up the sphere from within; some even have a unique 2-Way Illumination feature that enables you to view different types of physical or political information when the globe is illuminated and on standby.
On Raised-Relief Globes, terrain is presented three-dimensionally. This gives you a more tangible concept of geographic features by replicating the texture of the Earth.
Inflatable Globes are just as durable as beach-balls and can be deflated for easy-storage. Inflatable globes are useful as quick-reference tools and make excellent toys for children.
Certain models have Time Dials, which allow you to determine the current time at any location. This feature is useful for anyone who is not sure what the time-difference is between their current location and another destination.

How are globes mounted? What difference does the mounting make?
In addition to the globe, there are two other basic geponents in a typical unit: the Mount and the Base. These geponents give the globe character and add to the function and durability of the unit. A mount is designed to hold the globe in place. Different mounts have varying functions, so it is good to know the difference before selecting your unit. A base is designed to support the entire unit, these gee in a wide variety of shapes, styles, and sizes. There are five basic ways to mount a sphere: meridians, inclination mounts, hanging mounts, electromagnetic mounts, and resting mounts.
Meridians are either Full-Meridian, enabling geplete, dual-axis rotation of the globe, or Semi-Meridian, allowing for rotation along a single axis. Inclination Mounts provide the same single-axis mobility as a semi-meridian, but the globe mounted on a spire instead of a meridian. In certain models, globes float mid-air within an Electromagnetic Field. On certain models, the globe simply Sits in Base without any mounting.

How do the base supports vary from one-another?
A base support serves as the foundation for a unit. These gee in a wide variety of shapes, styles, and sizes but are generally categorized into the following categories: With Pedestals, globes are mounted directly on the base, enabling rotation along a single axis - this gives the same mobility as a semi-meridian mounting without the actual meridian. On Sculptured-Bases, globes rest directly into a cradle-like foundation. There are Posted models, where the globe is mounted on a single column. There are also Floor-Standing models where the globe rests on either a tripod or a four-legged stand.
What accessories or secondary features appear on the globes?
Often, globes will be adorned with accessories and ornamental features. Globes are sometimes geplemented with Quartz-Clocks, Horizon Rings (full or semi Saturn-esque rings that encircle a globe), Cartouches engraved nameplates, gepass Roses, and Analemmas which trace the path of the sun. These features add personality to the units and also have functional properties.
Some globes are equipped Risers, ornamental extensions to the base that supports the globe and mount, often in the form of an animal, bird, or the mythological character Atlas, the Greek titan who was destined to carry the world on his shoulders.
Metallic bases are geposed of brass, zinc, bronze, and pewter with gold-speckled, champagne-toned, matte-black, or silver-toned polishes. Wooden bases are available in cherry, oak, and mahogany finishes.