Meaning of world globe (what is it, concept and definition)

What is Globe?

Earth globe is an expression related to the field of Cartography that designates the three-dimensional scale model of planet Earth. As such, the globe is a representation of a spherical shape, designed according to the shape and surface of the earth, showing the arrangement of land and water.

Despite the fact that history records globes from the 2nd century BC. of C., the first where we find represented the lands of the so-called "New World", that is, the American continent, was made by German geographer Martin Waldseemüller in 1507.

The main function of the globe is to represent the planet Earth, either to be used as a didactic tool for the teaching of Geography, or for scientific, recreational or ornamental purposes.

Etymologically, globe is an expression that is made up of the Latin words globus , which translates 'globe', and globe, which is formed with the Latin words terra , 'earth', and aqua , 'water'.

Characteristics of the globe

The globe is a three-dimensional object with a spherical shape where continents and seas are represented, which in turn can exhibit the political division of the world, or simply show the reliefs of land and sea topography, or both inclusive.

The globe can also contain the imaginary lines that correspond to the meridians and parallels, which allow identifying the location of different points on the map in relation to latitude and longitude.

The globes are usually fixed on a support whose angle of inclination emulates that of the Earth in relation to the Sun, as well as the rotary movement known as rotation.

World globe and planisphere

Earth globe refers to the representation in an object of spherical form of the planet Earth, while a planisphere is the graphic representation, made on a plane, of the terrestrial sphere, also known as world map, or of the celestial one, rather to the stars.