Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Honesty is the best policy, except . . .
Globes are truthful and the truth counts, but globes have four major disadvantages relative to flat
maps.
Limited field of view
No matter how you look at a globe, you can never see the whole world at once (unless you're in a
room full of mirrors, but forget that as a practical solution). Indeed, when you calculate the geometry,
you cannot see even half of the world at once on a globe. However, it's often desirable to view Earth
in its entirety or to visually compare far away parts of the world. These perspectives aren't possible
on a globe but are possible on flat maps.
High cost
Globes are comparatively more expensive than maps. I checked the Web site of a well-known
company that makes wall maps, atlases, and globes. The basic globe (12-inch diameter) sells
for about six times the price of the basic wall map and about twice as much as a really good
atlas. Want a map of the world without paying an arm and a leg? Buy a flat map.
Lack of detail
Because globes entail the whole world they tend to show less detail. Next time you're face-to-face
with the typical desktop globe, look for the region in which you live. Unless you are a resident of a
big city, there's a good chance the globe doesn't show your hometown. And suppose you wanted a
detailed map of your home area. How big would a globe have to be to include that kind of informa-
tion? Probably as big as the Empire State Building. Globes are good for giving you the big picture,
but if you want to view an area in detail then you better get a flat map.
Inefficient data storage
Two paragraphs ago, I mentioned a globe with a 12-inch diameter. If you want to take it somewhere,
you can't fold it up and put it in your pocket. It probably won't even fit in your backpack. In contrast,
I have an atlas that is 12 inches long, 8 inches wide, 1.5 inches thick and contains more than 100
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