A globe is often a traditional piece that a million people think belongs in libraries and study rooms. The arrival of new technologies like GPS has made them obsolete. However, they are important items because they add a sleek, interactive yet classic look to any room. Thus, your children will enjoy interactive globes rich in information. We will then define together the different types of world map globes, how to choose yours, and also the sites that offer this kind of product.
All about the different types of world map globes
World map terrestrial globe:
The world map in the shape of a terrestrial globe also represents a terrestrial globe with geopolitical subdivisions and the connection of various territories around the world. Colors may vary depending on manufacturers but generally, they can rotate around a fixed axis with a platform to place on a flat surface.
Antique world map globe
There are antique globes sold online. On Leboncoin for example, you will see globes dating from 1985 being sold for less than 200 euros.
Vintage world map globe:
A vintage world map globe is a globe representing the different continents at a reduced scale of the terrestrial globe. The term vintage refers to the old appearance: somewhat rustic, slightly dull colors, and basic support.
World map globe on stand
On Amazon and other online stores, the globes on stands offered come in several versions. The most expensive ones are those with magnetic supports and LED lighting. The others, less expensive, are the most basic and made from cork, wood, or synthetic materials.
Decorative world map globe
To have a choice from a wide range of decorative products, you can visit Cdiscount. This platform offers multiple vintage globes. These are products with different styles, supports, colors, and could easily fit your furniture or the paint of your room.
Glass world map globe
There are also small-sized globes sold on online stores like Amazon, Rakuten, or Cdiscount. Glass globes are mostly decorative objects for bedrooms or any rooms in the house. There are even luminous world map globes.
Interactive world map globe
Interactive globes are small-sized and modern world maps. Some globes emit sounds, have styluses for exploration, or even a screen for viewing information.
Luminous world map globe:
Amazon sells several types of luminous world map globes. Indeed, these are decorative objects equipped with LED lights that give a luxurious design to the globes, making them usable as table lamps, night lights, etc.
Where to buy a world map globe?
Here are some reliable sites that allow you to easily acquire your world map globe.
Amazon:
Amazon is a specialized online sales site. In France, you can have it delivered easily within 2 to 10 business days for a globe.
- SANS ECRAN : tiptoi, c’est la promesse d’un jeu éducatif interactif sans écran ! Comment ça marche ? il suffit à l'enfant de pointer le lecteur sur une image ou un texte. Et comme par magie, il entendra des sons, des dialogues et des musiques. tiptoi permet aux enfants d’apprendre en s’amusant en proposant un contenu riche, varié et de qualité.
- DECOUVERTE : utilise un support inédit pour explorer le monde ! Le globe interactif tiptoi te permet de partir pour un voyage inoubliable autour de la Terre. Tu pourras jouer et découvrir au travers de milliers d'informations sur les pays, les populations, les capitales, et bien d'autres. Ce globe fonctionne uniquement avec le lecteur tiptoi
Ravensburger – Interactive globe
This is Amazon’s choice in terms of interactive globes. Indeed, the product is developed by Tipoi and distributed by Ravensburger. Ideal for children, this globe offers a multitude of sounds, representations, or comments. To fully enjoy the product, you should also acquire the Tiptoi reader, which unfortunately is sold separately. You will then need to download the audio file from the distributor’s official website. Once everything is installed, you can enjoy various games. The idea is to click anywhere on the planet, and you will get information about the capital, animal species, etc…
This is an interactive globe that is very suitable for learning because it is adapted for children from 10 years old. With the Tiptoi reader, they will discover exciting themes, a collection of documents, as well as various games. The reader and the globe are autonomous and can last for more than 7 hours of use. They are, however, lightweight and portable, with adjustable volume and even a jack input for your headphones!
Maison du monde
Maison du monde markets various brands of globes, all as prestigious as each other.
VANESH – Pink world map globe with golden metal
This Vanesh brand globe has a very elegant design. Its golden stand matches well with the golden outlines of the continents and parallels. The background is rose gold, a very trendy color today. maisonsdumonde.com sells this globe for less than 30 euros, which is a good deal. This globe is suitable for all types of support but in our opinion, it will decorate the hallway or living room very well.
Fnac
Fnac mainly offers models or toys in the shape of globes but at interesting prices. The marketed products are of good quality and the prices rarely exceed 150 euros.
Alaysky’s Globe relief terrestrial globe with app and LED 32 cm
To fully enjoy this device, you just have to download the IQ Globe app. Once installed on your smartphone, you just have to scan the globe to create an augmented reality database. You will thus see several species of fauna and flora, geography, and various scientific comments concerning the place you choose.
There is also the 3D relief Globe function which presents the Alaysky globe in ultra-realistic relief. The globe also has an autonomous lighting system (battery) with a physical map and a political map. This globe measures 32 cm in diameter and 43.5 cm in height and is suitable for children aged 3 and over who must be supervised by an adult.
What is the best globe?
We chose this globe because it is the best-seller and also Amazon’s choice in terms of world map globes.
- Apprentissage éducatif : allez au-delà des pays et de leurs capitales avec ce globe amélioré pour enfants qui explore les cultures, les animaux, les habitats et plus encore grâce à plus de 5 heures de vidéos de la BBC
- Jouet interactif : appuyez n'importe où en utilisant le stylet pour entendre des milliers de faits, interagissez avec des jeux uniques et des vidéos de déclenchement qui permettent aux enfants de découvrir visuellement le monde
LeapFrog Multicolor
Marketed for less than 150 euros, this globe is modern and features technological functionalities, meaning it provides information about countries, capitals, geographies, cultures, fauna, and flora. You will have a stylus that allows you to click anywhere on the globe to access numerous pieces of information, interact with games, or trigger videos so your children can observe the world.
The globe comes with a 2.7” screen that allows you to watch short films with learning guides for children, various informative games, and fun activities. Gather around the globe and set off to discover unique places by solving mysteries or answering questions from interactive games. It is a globe suitable for children aged 5 and up, powered by 4 AA batteries not included upon delivery.
What is a world globe?
First of all, know that representing the entire surface of the Earth on a flat surface is quite difficult, especially since the dimensions of the territories would no longer be respected because projecting the spherical surface would involve distortion.
That is why Gérard Mercator devised a method for mapping the Earth. He represented the Earth on a flat surface but replaced the sphere with two circles drawn on a flat surface. It is more or less a faithful representation of the Earth’s surface.
How to choose a world globe?
Thousands of world globes are for sale on the internet and specialized online stores. They come in various shapes, styles, and colors.
Choosing the right color
Conventional colors: these colors are generally bright colors that are easy to identify on the globe because we are used to seeing these colors. These globes are intended for study.
Dull or muted colors: These are globes that represent a somewhat old-fashioned or vintage concept. These color shades are appreciated for offering a classic design for bedrooms or living rooms, for example.
Metallic finishes: Globes with a metallic finish are decorative pieces. Indeed, the continents display a sleek, metallic, or golden look with white or duller oceans than the lands. These globes blend very well with modern, contemporary, or industrial-style homes.
Black and white: Some globe designs offer only outlines and different fills for continents and political divisions of countries. These globes are also suitable for modern styles.
Choosing the right size for your globe
This is an important consideration because purchasing a globe will depend on the space you allocate for it.
For a small surface: opt for globes about 11 inches tall with a diameter of 6 inches. These are ideal globes for table corners, small shelves, or tiny rooms.
For a medium surface: choose globes 15 inches tall and 11 inches in diameter. They fit well on fairly large desks.
Floor model: These are offered in several versions, especially those that are large and can be placed on the floor. These globes measure about 39 inches tall and 24 inches in diameter. They are suitable for a more prominent corner and can be surrounded by furniture.
