Why are globes tilted?
Most globes are made to tilt at an angle of 23.5º 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 33º north (latitude) 97º 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 15º increments.
Latitude: Imaginary lines running around the globe parallel to the equator and are numbered at 10º or 15º 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. Children often prefers the realistic appearance of these globes.

How many different maps are used?
Replogle currently has over 100 different maps in over 15 languages. This is due to the globes’ different sizes, languages, and styles.

What is that little round dial at the North Pole?
It’s called a time dial and is used to compare time around the world. Rotate it to the time in your area to see the time in other parts of 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 0º at the equator to 90º 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 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 it’s 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 our maps show Finland, for example, and not Suomi. Some globes for decorative purposes contain less named places as a function of their purpose.

What is Raised Relief?
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. Raised relief is found on many 9", 12" and 16" diameter non-illuminated press craft globes and on 12” and 16” vinyl globes manufactured by Replogle. On a 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.

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 does are globes updated?
Most manufacturers have 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. The policy by Replogle is that 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. Replogle continues to place a compass rose on many globe maps for its beauty and information.

How do I care for my globe?
For non-illuminated globes and globes with hand-applied maps, use a dry cloth to remove household dust and markings. For illuminated globes, 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. Do not use industrial or even household cleaners that contain alcohol or any solvent. Minimize exposure to direct sunlight to preserve the rich colors of your globe map.

Where can you buy a replacement light bulb for a illuminated globe?
Replacement bulbs can be found at any hardware or lighting store. Some of our 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 used on gemstone globes?
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?
No. We do not recommend sticking any object into the globe unless manufactured specifically for this purpose. 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 did not receive these parts, please contact Customer Service.

How does the “Touch On” feature work on Replogle® 20” or 32” illuminated globe?
By 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, click How Old Is Your Globe link on our website. You can learn the value of your globe by contacting Murray Hudson Antiquarian Books, Maps, Prints & Globes in Halls, TN at www.murrayhudson.com or (800) 748-9946.

What is the Updatable Globe Program?
Replogle wants to help you keep your globe as up-to-date and accurate as the day you bought it. As a Replogle or Waypoint Geographic globe owner, you are eligible for up to 50% off the retail value of a new globe through the Updatable Globe Program. To take advantage of this program, available in the USA, make note of your globe model number 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 Customer Service.