Still in the global age, children born in 21st century use 2D maps invented in 16th century, or conventional analogue globes. In order to update our perception on the condition of our planet, we would like to launch a brand-new interactive digital globe (named “Sphere”, http://sphere.blue/en).
Operated with iPad, the globe represents a variety of scientific data such as the near real-time cloud distribution (satellite image updated hourly through the net) , live-cam image from around the world, seismic events and plate tectonics (with the animation of continental drift), trace of migratory birds and whales, the global transfer of air pollutants and marine debris, global warming simulations, etc.
You can interact with the globe in various ways.
1) Voice recognition function : By addressing the name of cities or contents, the globe will rotate and it shows the live image of the cities or the related data either on the hemispheric dome or on the iPad.
2) By manipulating the globe icon at the right bottom of the iPad screen, you can easily spin the globe. By tapping the icons beside the globe icon, you can overlay national borderline, latitude/longitude lines, etc.
3) Hold your hand over the globe, and the globe will respond by the sign (the appearance of circle) showing that it is sensing your presence. Slowly move your palm, just like caressing the virtual atmosphere of the globe, and it will rotate in the direction you want to spin.
4) If you bring some points on the globe to the magnifying pointer zone, you will get some information on the local sites.
5) In the AR mode (by tapping AR icon at the bottom of the iPad), you use iPad as a window to browse virtually floating contents on the globe, such as national flag (browse data on each country by tapping the flag) , the rapidly increasing wind power generation around the globe (illustrated with the virtual windmills standing on each country), aurora circle floating above polar regions, etc.
6) You can show a variety of contents by using QR code reader function. Hold some items such as miniature animals or books (on which a QR code is attached) in front of the iPad, and the globe will show contents related to the item. (ex. The miniature Polar Bear will serve as a trigger to start the animation of the diminishing polar ice in recent years.) This function turn this globe into a sort of Edutainment tool for science museum and schools.
7) By using “Playlist” function, you can select necessary content out of over 100 pre-installed programs and edit the original scenario (Manual or Autoplay mode) for specific exhibitions, lectures, and presentations.
The original model of our digital globe is called “Tangible Earth” and is disseminated around the world over the last decade, installed and presented at various museums and international conferences such as G8 Summit in Japan, the Summer-Davos forums (WEF), UN headquarter (Geneva and NY), etc. Now we would like to launch a popular edition (much more portable and cheaper) for schools and small museums, shops.