Ultimate Globes - World Globe FAQ
Here you will find some common
questions and information about globe ownership. Simply click on any
of the following links to be taken directly to that article.
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Why are Globes Tilted?
Most
globes are made to tilt at an angle of 23.5 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.
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 33 north (latitude) 97 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 15 increments.
- Latitude: Imaginary lines running around the globe parallel to the equator and are numbered at 10 or 15 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.
What is that little round dial at the North Pole?
Itïs 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
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 0 at the equator to 90 at either pole. Originally,
meridians were used to help locate positions on the globe, but since
most 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 most globes?
Subject
to space limitations, most companies 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 itïs 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 most maps show Finland, for example, and not Suomi.
What is the raised relief feature that is 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.
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.
How often are globes updated?
Most
globe manufacturers have a policy of updating a map every time it
printed. Although the names or boundaries of countries can change due
to wars or other political upheavals, most changes are simple name
changes that are relatively easy to make. In many cases, when the U.S.
State Department along with representatives (usually the embassies of
the governments involved), recognizes the changes as being a fact, we
implement the changes into our system.
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. Many globe
manufacturers continue to place a compass rose on many globe maps for
its beauty and information.
How do you clean a globe?
Markings
can be wiped off with a moistened cleansing tissue or soft, damp cloth.
Household dust can be removed with a dry cloth, though you may wish
occasionally to use a slightly dampened cloth to remove fingerprints or
smudges. A mild, non-abrasive product is recommended for difficult
marks. Do not use industrial or even household cleaners that contain
alcohol or any solvent.
Where can you buy a replacement light bulb for a illuminated globe?
Replacement
bulbs can be found at any hardware or lighting store. Some illuminated
globes use a 15 watt up to 25 watt candelabra light bulb and others
require a standard light bulb. Please follow these guidelines: do not
use more use more than a 15 or 25 watt bulb for a 12" globe, a 40 watt
bulb for a 20 globe, or a 75 watt bulb for a 32" globe.
What stones are typically used on gemstone globes?
Each
globe manufacturer is slightly different in their arrangement and use
of stones, however, here is a list of the most popular stones used:
- Abalone Shell
- Amethyst
- Aphrizite
- Belioculas Onyx
- Black Spotted Jade
- Chrysolithos
- Coral
- Green Jade
- Green Jasper
- Lapis
- Lapis Siphnos
- Mongolian Jade
- Mongolian Red Spotted Jade
- Mongolian White Jade
- Mother of Pearl
- Phoenix Jade
- Picture Jasper
- Purple Quartz
- Red Jade
- Red Spotted Jade
- South African Jade
- Spotted Jade
- Tiger Eye
- Turquoise
- White Jade
Can push pins be used in my press craft globe?
We does not recommend sticking any object into its globes. This will damage the surface.
My globe ball won't stay upright. What should I do?
Make
sure that each ear or post on the meridian has a plastic washer and
black rubber tip in place. If you need these parts, please contact the
manufacturer of the globe you are using.
How does the "Touch On" feature work on my illuminated globe?
Not
all illuminated globes have this feature. If yours comes with this
feature, simply touching any part of the meridian ring with your
fingertip, you can control three light levels.
How old is my globe and what is it worth?
For
help dating your globe ball, go to the "How Old is My Globe" section of
our web site. You can learn the value of your globe by contacting
Murray Hudson Antiquarian Books, Maps, Prints & Globes in Halls,
TN. Contact them at www.murrayhudson.com or (800) 748-9946.
I have an older globe that has a lot of wear and tear. How do I get a replacement ball or stand?
Before you contact your globes manufacturer or Ultimate Globes, you'll need the following information:
- Confirm
and note the manufacturer/brand of your product by checking the crest
located on the map in the Pacific Ocean above Hawaii. Then record all
the information inside the crest.
- Confirm that your globe is no
more than 15 years old. For help dating your globe ball, go to the "How
Old is your Globe" section of our web site.
- Note whether your globe is press craft (paper) or vinyl (plastic).
- Measure
the diameter of your globe. Using a measuring tape, record the inches
around the circumference of the equator and divide that number by
3.1416 to get the globe diameter in inches.
- Take at least two photos one of your globe ball and stand and another close-up of the South Pole.
- E-mail your request and these photos to customerservice@ultimateglobes.com
along with answers to all the questions above. Be sure to include your
daytime phone number. Be sure to include your daytime phone number and
physical address. Ultimate Globes Customer Service will acknowledge
your e-mail within 48 hours.
We would be happy to provide price quotes on replacement globe balls, but need to have all the above information.
What is the Updatable Globe Program?
Ultimate
Globes wants to help you keep your globe as up-to-date and accurate as
the day you bought it. Many manufacturers provide a discount off the
retail value of a new globe ball or ball and ring through an Updatable
Globe Program. To take advantage of this type of program, available in
USA and Canada, make note of your globe model and the month and date of
purchase and keep this information in a safe place. If a change occurs
in the world, you can request an update either by contacting Ultimate Globes or by contacting your globes manufacturer. |
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