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Why are globes tilted?
Many Replogle® globes are made to tilt at an angle
of 23º to match the actual tilt of the Earth. Incidentally, it is
this tilting of the Earth, relative to the sun as it orbits around it,
that causes the seasons to change and give us more daylight hours at certain
times of the year.
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How do you find a place on a globe?
Because a globe is round with no beginning or end,
there are 2 imaginary reference lines from which all distances and locations
are determined; these are the equator and prime meridian.
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.
Both the equator and the prime meridian intersect
at point ‘0’ where all numbering starts with longitude and latitude
lines.
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 at 10º increments.
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).
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What's the difference between the
blue and tan colored globes?
The ‘TAN’ globes are Antique
in appearance and are preferred when the globe is to be used as a decorative
accessory because the more neutral tan color complements almost any home
or office décor. The ‘TAN’ background or ocean
is actually produced from a reproduction of an ancient parchment to give
it the Antique or ‘Old World’ look…the geographic
information is up-to-date and this Antiqued treatment is done primarily
for its aesthetic appeal.
The ‘BLUE’ globes, while also political,
have the ocean areas in a blue (water) color and usually consist of highly
contrasting, colorful, political boundaries. The youth market normally
prefers such globes.
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How many different maps do we use?
Currently we use 35 different maps. This is due to
the different sizes of our globes, the style types, languages, and because
some customers supply their own maps to us for private label globes.
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How do you clean a Replogle Globe?
Our globes have a special coating designed to protect
the globe ball and enhance its appearance. Because this finish is washable,
you could use a crayon or a soft wax pencil on the surface. 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.
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Where can you buy a replacement
light bulb for Replogle and Scanglobe products?
Any hardware or lighting store. Scanglobe® globes
use a candelabra light bulb. Replogle globes take a standard light bulb.
If a bulb that is too powerful is used, the interior of the globe will
brown or even melt. Do not use more than a 75-watt for a 32" globe, 40-watt
bulb for a 20" globe, and 15 watts for a 12" on RGI models. Scanglobe®
10", 12", and 16" models globes take a 25 watt candelabra bulb.
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What is that little round dial
at the North Pole?
It’s called a TIME DIAL—used to compare
time around the world.
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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 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 Replogle® globes have the
longitude and latitude lines on the maps, the numbers on the meridian
have become less important, but the ring itself still serves to hold the
globe ball in position.
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How do we choose names for our
globes?
Subject to space limitations, we attempt to list all
nations, all the 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, and we are trying to fill space as well. We try not
to abbreviate names because that would lead to confusion for our customers.
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. This
is easier for us to understand than the true translation…and is why
our maps show Finland, for example—rather than Suomi.
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What are the bumps on some globes
and why aren't they on all globes?
The ‘bumps’ are called raised relief and
better emphasize the mountainous areas of the world. They are there so
that you can ‘SEE & 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 globes. On the 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.
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Why a globe instead of an atlas?
Actually, an atlas complements the globe and the globe
complements the atlas. Each has features that, when used together, become
an excellent reference and teaching tool. The advantage of a globe is
that the world in its entirety is depicted on a sphere. As well as being
functional, many globes also serve as attractive decorative accessories
for homes and offices.
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How up-to-date is the globe?
Replogle® has a policy of updating a map every
time it’s 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. Our policy is that
when the US State Department—along with the representatives (usually
the Embassies of the governments involved), recognizes the changes as
being a fact, we then start to implement the changes into our system.
Generally, the 9" and 12" diameter globes are the first sizes to show
up in the field with the changes, followed by the 16" models and other
sizes. This can be anywhere from six months to a year—depending on
the field inventory. There can be no absolute guarantee that any map is
100% current, but this should not be a deterrent to the purchase because
the real value of a globe is to show true, geographical relationships.
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If you are interested in purchasing a globe in secure shopping environment click here for the best selections
© 2002 Replogle Corporation
In Conjunction with Wide World of Maps - maps4u.com
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