Map vs. Globe: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 17, 2023
A map is a flat, scaled representation of geographical features, while a globe is a spherical model of Earth or other celestial body.
Key Differences
The map is a flat paper printed or hand-drawn used for presenting the earth’s surface, whereas the globe is a pictorial presentation of the whole land of the world.
The map is a two-dimensional flat piece of paper; on the flip side, the globe is a three-dimensional sphere.
The map is a depiction of the whole earth or a specific area of the land, whereas the globe is an illustration of the whole earth.
The map is in the form of plain paper, whereas the shape of the globe is round.
The map has no axis and does not spin around it; on the other hand, the globe whirl around its axis like the earth does.
ADVERTISEMENT
A map is a source to provide information about a region; conversely, the globe offers information on the whole earth.
Map’s synthesis is of soft paper, while the integration of the globe is from hard material like cardboard, plastic, etc.
A map is easy to carry, fold, and hang along with you; on the other hand, you cannot take the globe with you in the folded form.
A map helps in movement from one place to another, whereas the globe does not help in navigation.
The map is a natural recognition of desired areas; on the other hand, in the globe, the identification of desired areas is tough.
ADVERTISEMENT
The map is less accurate; on the flip side, the globe is more accurate.
Map’s view is distorted; conversely, the sight of the globe is deformed.
The other name of the map is a chart, whereas the other name of the globe is duplicate earth.
Map delivers ample information; conversely, the globe delivers less information.
The latitude and longitude are sketched as straight lines, whereas the latitude and longitude of the globe are circles or semi-circles.
A Map is a two-dimensional graphic representation of selected parts of the Earth's surface, typically on a flat surface. On the other hand, a Globe is a three-dimensional scale model of the Earth, providing the most accurate geographical representation.
Maps can show various scales, from a neighborhood to an entire world, allowing for detailed views of geographical features. Conversely, Globes depict the Earth in its true form, making them less practical for detailed navigation or to view small areas.
Maps often include symbols, legends, and scales to help users interpret distances, terrain types, and specific locations. While Globes provide a realistic view of the Earth's surface, contours, and distances, they lack the detail and practicality of maps for specific navigation purposes.
Projection is a key factor in Maps, as the curvature of the Earth is represented on a flat surface, which can cause distortion in shape, area, distance, or direction. Globes, being spherical, do not have this issue, preserving the true proportions and positions of landmasses and oceans.
Maps are versatile and varied, with types including political, topographical, thematic, physical, and road maps, each serving different purposes. Globes are more uniform, primarily used for educational purposes or as decorative items due to their true-to-life representation of the Earth's geography.
Comparison Chart
.
A map is a drawing of the surface of the earth.
Globe is an orbicular representation of the earth.
Dimensions
Two dimensional
Three dimensional
Representation
A specific region, sometimes the whole earth
Whole earth
Shape
Flat
Sphere
Spin
Does not spin
Spin-on its axis
Purpose
The specific information of a region
Broad presentation of the world
Formation
Soft paper
Hard material
Benefit
Can be carried by folding
Cannot be folded
Navigation
Helps in navigation
Does not help in navigation
Useful For
Easy identification of regions
Hard to identify a specific region
Accuracy
Less accurate
More accurate
View
Distorted view
Deformed view
Other Name
Chart
Duplicate earth
Information
Large information
Less information
Latitude and Latitude
Straight lines
Circles and semi-circles
Detail
Can show detailed information of small areas
Less detailed, shows continents and countries
Varieties
Political, topographical, road, etc.
Primarily geographical
Map and Globe Definitions
Map
(Genetics) A genetic map.
Globe
A symbol of international influence or significance.
The charity has a Globe-spanning influence, with operations in over 30 countries.
Map
A visual representation of an area, whether real or imaginary.
He used a Map to navigate through the city's downtown.
Globe
A three-dimensional scale model of Earth.
The Globe spun slowly on its axis, showing all the continents and oceans.
Map
A diagrammatic representation of an area's land, sea, or other features.
The treasure Map revealed the location of hidden riches in the mountains.
Globe
An object shaped like a sphere, often used as a lamp or ornament.
The snow Globe was shaken, causing white flakes to swirl around.
Map
An electronic representation of an area on a computer or GPS system.
Using the online Map, he found the fastest route home.
Globe
A rounded object representing the world, used for decorative or symbolic purposes.
The award statue was shaped like a Globe to represent international unity.
Map
A representation, usually on a plane surface, of a region of the earth, intended primarily to provide information about the relative location or nature of features within that region.
Globe
A spherical representation of the Earth or another celestial body.
The classroom had a Globe on the desk for geography lessons.
Map
A similar representation of a region of the sky or of a celestial object
A map of the constellations of the southern hemisphere.
Globe
A body with the shape of a sphere, especially a representation of the earth in the form of a hollow ball.
Map
Something that suggests such a representation, as in clarity of representation
A map of the human genome.
Globe
The earth.
Map
(Mathematics) The correspondence of elements in one set to elements in the same set or another set.
Globe
A planet.
Map
(Slang) The human face.
Globe
A spherical or bowllike container, especially a glass cover for a light bulb.
Map
To make a map of.
Globe
A sphere emblematic of sovereignty; an orb.
Map
To depict as if on a map
Grief was mapped on his face.
Globe
To assume the shape of or form into a sphere.
Map
To explore or make a survey of (a region) for the purpose of making a map.
Globe
Any spherical (or nearly spherical) object.
The globe of the eye; the globe of a lamp
Map
To plan or delineate, especially in detail; arrange
Mapping out her future.
Globe
The planet Earth.
Map
(Genetics) To locate (a gene or DNA sequence) in a specific region of a chromosome in relation to known genes or DNA sequences.
Globe
A spherical model of Earth or other planet.
Map
(Mathematics) To establish a mapping of (an element or a set).
Globe
A light bulb.
Map
A visual representation of an area, whether real or imaginary, showing the relative positions of places and other features.
A map of Australia, a map of Lilliput
Globe
A circular military formation used in Ancient Rome, corresponding to the modern infantry square.
Map
A graphical or logical representation of any structure or system, showing the positions of or relationships between its components.
A map of the Earth's magnetic field
Globe
A woman's breast.
Map
(mathematics) A function. Category:en:Functions
Let be a map from to
Globe
(obsolete) A group.
Map
(entomology) Any of various nymphalid butterflies of the genera Araschnia (especially, Araschnia levana) and Cyrestis, having map-like markings on the wings.
Globe
A land snail of the genus Mesodon
Map
The face.
Globe
(intransitive) To become spherical.
Map
An imaginary or fictional area, often predefined and confined, where a game or a session thereof takes place.
I don't want to play this map again!
Globe
(transitive) To make spherical.
Map
(computing) associative array.
Globe
A round or spherical body, solid or hollow; a body whose surface is in every part equidistant from the center; a ball; a sphere.
Map
(transitive) To represent by means of a map.
This large atlas maps the whole world in very great detail.
Figure 3 maps the pressure distribution within the human circulatory system.
Globe
Anything which is nearly spherical or globular in shape; as, the globe of the eye; the globe of a lamp.
Map
(transitive) To create a map of; to examine or survey in order to gather information for a map.
The team is mapping the route of the new railway line.
The space probe is mapping the Earth's gravitational field.
This equipment is designed to map the neurons of the human brain in three dimensions.
Globe
The earth; the terraqueous ball; - usually preceded by the definite article.
Map
To have a direct relationship; to correspond.
This doesn't map to my understanding of how things should work.
Globe
A round model of the world; a spherical representation of the earth or heavens; as, a terrestrial or celestial globe; - called also artificial globe.
Map
To create a direct relationship to; to create a correspondence with.
Globe
A body of troops, or of men or animals, drawn up in a circle; - a military formation used by the Romans, answering to the modern infantry square.
Him roundA globe of fiery seraphim inclosed.
Map
To act as a function on something, taking it to something else.
maps to , mapping every to .
Globe
To gather or form into a globe.
Map
To assign a drive letter to a shared folder.
Globe
The 3rd planet from the sun; the planet on which we live;
The Earth moves around the sun
He sailed around the world
Map
A representation of the surface of the earth, or of some portion of it, showing the relative position of the parts represented; - usually on a flat surface. Also, such a representation of the celestial sphere, or of some part of it.
Globe
An object with a spherical shape;
A ball of fire
Map
Anything which represents graphically a succession of events, states, or acts; as, an historical map.
Thus is his cheek the map of days outworn.
Globe
A sphere on which a map (especially of the earth) is represented
Map
To represent by a map; - often with out; as, to survey and map, or map out, a county. Hence, figuratively: To represent or indicate systematically and clearly; to sketch; to plan; as, to map, or map out, a journey; to map out business.
I am near to the place where they should meet, if Pisanio have mapped it truly.
Map
A diagrammatic representation of the earth's surface (or part of it)
Map
A function such that for every element of one set there is a unique element of another set
Map
Make a map of; show or establish the features of details of;
Map the surface of Venus
Map
Explore or survey for the purpose of making a map;
We haven't even begun to map the many galaxies that we know exist
Map
Locate within a specific region of a chromosome in relation to known DNA or gene sequences;
Map the genes
Map
Plan, delineate, or arrange in detail;
Map one's future
Map
Depict as if on a map;
Sorrow was mapped on the mother's face
Map
To establish a mapping (of mathematical elements or sets)
Map
A symbolic depiction highlighting relationships between elements of space, like objects, regions, and themes.
The climate Map displayed varying temperatures across the country.
Map
A guide providing specific information, like road maps for travel.
She consulted a subway Map to understand the different transit lines.
FAQs
Can a Map show elevation?
Yes, topographic Maps use contour lines or shading to indicate elevation and landform details.
Can a Globe show the Earth's rotation?
Yes, many Globes are mounted on an axis that allows them to mimic the Earth's rotation.
What are thematic Maps?
Thematic Maps focus on specific themes, such as climate, population, or economic activities.
What is a Map?
A Map is a flat, visual representation of a whole or part of an area, often including physical features and political boundaries.
Are Globes used for navigation?
Globes are not practical for navigation due to their size and lack of detail, but they're excellent for understanding global geography.
Are all Maps drawn to scale?
Most Maps are drawn to scale to accurately represent distances, though some thematic Maps may not be.
Is a Globe always an accurate representation of the Earth?
Globes provide the most accurate depiction of the Earth's shape and geography, though they may not reflect current political boundaries.
What is a political Map?
A political Map shows governmental boundaries, like countries, states, and cities.
What is a Globe?
A Globe is a spherical model of the Earth or another celestial body, accurately depicting its shape and geography.
What's the purpose of the meridians and parallels on a Globe?
Meridians and parallels, lines representing longitude and latitude, help locate precise points on the Earth's surface.
Can a Globe show time zones?
Yes, some Globes are designed to display time zones across the world.
How do Maps indicate direction?
Maps commonly use a compass rose or north arrow to indicate direction.
What material is a Globe typically made from?
Globes can be made from various materials, including plastic, cardboard, metal, or glass.
Do all Globes have a stand?
Most Globes have a stand for support and ease of use, but some decorative or toy Globes may not.
What is map projection?
Map projection is a method used to represent the curved, three-dimensional surface of the Earth on a flat Map.
How is the equator represented on a Globe?
On a Globe, the equator is an imaginary line circling the middle, equally distant from the poles.
What is a physical Map?
A physical Map highlights the natural features of an area, like mountains, rivers, and deserts.
What is a scale on a Map?
A scale indicates the relationship between a certain distance on the Map and the actual distance on the ground.
How do Maps represent terrain?
Maps use symbols, shading, and contour lines to depict different terrain types and elevations.
Are there digital Globes?
Yes, digital Globes, like Google Earth, allow interactive exploration of the Earth's surface in a virtual environment.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
