About Us

Cartographer Joe Roubal welcomes new ideas for globes

Discuss your globe and mapping wishes – Joe Roubal – joe@roubalmapping.com

For online orders, go to our partner website shop: Real World Globes

Joe is a self-taught globe maker who has been practicing this ancient art for over 30 years. After studying boat building, cartography and computer programming, he decided to build a fiberglass mold for a 30 inch hemisphere in 1984. While working in the remote sensing industry for firms including International Imaging Systems, Space Imaging, Digital Globe and ESRI, he continued his hobby of making 30 inch globes. To date, he has built more than 40 large globes.

Developed high-res cloud-free image of Earth

Early globes were made using paper maps which were prone to wrinkling and fading. In 2000 he started using laminated adhesive vinyl with much improved results. The availability of geographic, planetary and astronomical data has allowed Joe to make globes of the Earth as well as other planets and moons. In the 1990’s he developed a cloud-free image of Earth that is now copyrighted.

In 2012 Joe partnered with Real World Globes to invent maps and techniques for an 18 inch globe that could be built by hobbyists as a kit. These techniques were subsequently adapted to support a 10 inch globe as well. It has been a great pleasure to share the experience of building globes with others. — Joe

In 2014 Joe collaborated with CCGM (Commission de la Carte Geologique du Monde, the international agency charged with coordinating the geological data from many countries) to create globe maps reflecting the geological map database compiled by Dr. Philippe Bouysse. The resulting globes have been well received at trade shows and have been purchased by universities and museums worldwide. The need to portray this incredibly detailed data as well as possible has led to refinements in every aspect of the process. — Joe

In 2016 Joe retired and moved to Port Townsend, Washington, where he continues to create 30 inch globes (called Colossal model if purchased through Real World Globes partner website) . Joe — The local artists and boat builders have inspired me to hold myself to the highest standards, and I am very happy with the way the newest globes are turning out.