Globe vs. Map — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 31, 2023
A "Globe" is a spherical representation of Earth or another celestial body, while a "Map" is a flat, two-dimensional depiction of an area's landmarks or geography.
Difference Between Globe and Map
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A "Globe" and a "Map" both serve to represent geographical details, but their formats and utilities diverge. A globe is a three-dimensional, spherical model, often of Earth, that offers a comprehensive view of continents, oceans, and boundaries. In contrast, a map is a flat, two-dimensional representation of specific regions or the whole world, detailing landmarks, routes, or political boundaries.
While globes give an accurate portrayal of land masses and distances at a macro scale, they might not provide the detailed intricacies of smaller regions. Maps, however, can focus on anything from the entirety of the Earth's surface to just a small neighborhood, offering both broader and more specific insights. With maps, zooming into minute details or stepping back for a broader view is feasible.
Using a globe provides an immediate sense of Earth's curvature and spatial relationships between continents and countries. However, because of its spherical shape, one can't see all parts of the globe simultaneously. On the flip side, maps can lay out expansive areas in a single view but might distort sizes or shapes, especially in world maps, due to the challenge of portraying a spherical Earth on a flat surface.
In terms of utility, globes are often used for educational purposes in classrooms or as decorative items. They offer a holistic view of the world but aren't typically utilized for navigation or detailed planning. Maps, conversely, come in myriad types — road maps, topographical maps, political maps — each tailored for specific purposes, from driving directions to understanding geological terrains.
Comparison Chart
Form
Three-dimensional, spherical.
Flat, two-dimensional.
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Coverage
Usually depicts the entire Earth.
Can depict entire world to specific regions.
Detail
Broad details of continents and oceans.
Can provide detailed information, even of small areas.
Distortion
Little to none, maintains accurate proportions.
Can distort sizes/shapes when translating spherical details to flat.
Primary Usage
Educational, decorative, general overview of Earth.
Navigation, detailed planning, specific insights.
Compare with Definitions
Globe
Any spherical object resembling Earth.
He held a snow globe with a miniature town inside.
Map
A graphical representation of an area's landmarks or geography.
She consulted the map before starting her road trip.
Globe
A spherical model of another celestial body.
They displayed a globe of Mars at the astronomy exhibit.
Map
A diagram or collection of data visualizing a relationship.
The scientist created a map of gene interactions.
Globe
A round, ball-like object.
The light fixture was covered by a glass globe.
Map
A guide or representation detailing a specific topic or theme.
The theme park provided a map showing all the attractions.
Globe
A globe is a spherical model of Earth, of some other celestial body, or of the celestial sphere. Globes serve purposes similar to maps, but unlike maps, they do not distort the surface that they portray except to scale it down.
Map
To plan out or arrange the route or method for something.
The team met to map out their strategy.
Globe
The earth
Goods from all over the globe
Map
A map is a symbolic depiction emphasizing relationships between elements of some space, such as objects, regions, or themes. Many maps are static, fixed to paper or some other durable medium, while others are dynamic or interactive.
Globe
A spherical or rounded object
Orange trees clipped into giant globes
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 lightbulb.
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
Form (something) into a globe
There, in miniature, the world was globed like a fruit
Map
Something that suggests such a representation, as in clarity of representation
A map of the human genome.
Globe
A body with the shape of a sphere, especially a representation of the earth in the form of a hollow ball.
Map
(Mathematics) The correspondence of elements in one set to elements in the same set or another set.
Globe
The earth.
Map
(Slang) The human face.
Globe
A planet.
Map
(Genetics) A genetic map.
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.
Globe
A spherical representation of Earth.
The globe in the classroom spun on its axis.
Map
A diagrammatic representation of the earth's surface (or part of it)
Globe
The entirety of Earth as a place of human habitation.
News of the event spread across the globe.
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 detailed correlation between two sets or systems.
Computer algorithms can map one set of data onto another.
Common Curiosities
Why can maps distort the shape of countries?
Because it's challenging to represent the curved surface of Earth accurately on a flat surface.
Are globes used for navigation?
Generally no, globes offer broad overviews and aren't practical for detailed navigation.
Are maps always drawn to scale?
Not always, but many maps have a scale to indicate distances.
Can maps be digital?
Yes, many maps are digital and can be accessed via computers or mobile devices.
Is every round object referred to as a globe?
No, while "globe" can refer to ball-like objects, context matters.
Can I see all countries on a globe at once?
No, due to its spherical shape, part of the globe is always obscured from view.
Can maps represent themes other than geography?
Yes, maps can represent data, themes, relationships, and more.
Do all maps have a North arrow?
Not all, but many geographical maps include a North arrow for orientation.
Do all maps show political boundaries?
No, there are various types of maps; some might show terrain, roads, or other features.
Is a globe always about Earth?
Predominantly, but globes can represent other celestial bodies like Mars or the Moon.
Can a globe depict topographical features?
Yes, some globes show mountains, valleys, and other physical features.
Is a snow globe a representation of Earth?
Not necessarily. Snow globes are decorative items and can have various themes inside.
Why are some countries larger on a globe than on some world maps?
Projection methods used in maps can distort sizes. Globes maintain proportions.
How can I tell directions on a map?
Most maps have compass points or a North arrow for guidance.
Why does a globe spin?
It mimics Earth's rotation and allows viewers to see different parts without repositioning the globe.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
