A world globe is a representation of the Earth. The map may be engraved, or printed directly onto the surface of the globe ball.
Most of our globes are either:
- two plastic halves joined at the equator, with the map printed on plastic film, or
- printed on paper gores or segments.
In addition, these same globes often have "bumps" on them. This is "raised relief" - the bumps show where there are mountains. The bumps are, therefore, deliberate and not a fault.
All flat maps distort either the shape or the area of the Earth's surface.
Globes are an accurate representation of the world that keep shape, area and distance in proportion.