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Martin Behaim |
The First Globes
German geographer Martin Behaim created the oldest surviving terrestrial globe in 1492. Unlike today's, this earlier example documented not only locations, but also recorded market places and local trading protocols. In the 1500s, Flemish geographer Gerhard Kremer developed the Meractor projection map. The Meractor projection map included all of the meridian and longitudinal lines parallel to the latitude lines. This feature made map reading simple for navigators and is still used today.
The Golden Age of the Globe
In the 17th century, globes were not only functional but fashionable. English gentlemen wore pocket globes as status symbols and elaborate globes were kept in homes and gardens as decorative furniture.
The 19th century saw a boom of affordable globes made from paper and other inexpensive material. Once used in training navigators and astronomers, they gained popularity with primary schools and tutors. The added time dial feature taught students to compare time from around the world.
Globes Today
Today, globes come in all sizes and varieties. Political globes display not only physical characteristics but also political boundaries. When turned on, illuminated globes often display additional information like topographical points. Despite online world maps and virtual Earths, nothing can compare to the tangible feeling of a globe.
To learn more about our globes, contact us and we'll be more than happy to help.