So I'd really like to be able to experiment with mapping out my world by-hand on an actual spherical surface without having to use a computer. Unfortunately, all my searching on Google, Amazon, and Etsy has produced only frustration. The few "blank" globes I've found are either cheap household decor items, or they still have the outlines and/or bas-relief contours of Earth's continents.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XQE0QBK
http://www.onlyglobes.com/Physiographic_Relief_Globe_p/610.htm
So does anyone know where a one might find or commission a truly blank globe? What I'm looking for would ideally have a dry-erase whiteboard finish, be completely smooth (i.e. no relief contours), and have permanent latitude and longitude markers.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Could you simply make one of your own? Get a sphere of any size you like and slap some dry-erase paint on it.
I'm somewhat dubious of my ability to get the latitude and longitude markings correct, though the longer I search, the more I'm starting to think I might not have a choice...
You might see if you can find inflatable white beach balls. Drawing straight lines might be easier if it were deflated
I'm somewhat dubious of my ability to get the latitude and longitude markings correct, though the longer I search, the more I'm starting to think I might not have a choice...
Use some string and a ruler, you should be able to get the markings right. But wouldn't big black rings break up your landforms anyway? Not like Earth has longitude lines.
But wouldn't big black rings break up your landforms anyway?
I'm thinking thin lines like what you'd have on graph paper, not the thick plastic band that's used to mark the equator on most globes.
Could you buy a large globe, print out "orange peel" paper sections of the right size, with your lines printed on them, and glue these onto the globe?
So after reading some suggestions, I was thinking that maybe repainting an existing globe with dry erase or chalkboard paint might work. Then I look at the reviews of those paints... The whiteboard paints apparently all suck or cost waaay too much, and the chalkboard paints can't actually be used with chalkboard markers because they are too porous. >.<
Currently trying to find a hard plastic or metal ball with the same diameter as an inexpensive globe since apparently the chalk markers should work on a smooth surface like that.