GlobeZilla User Guide

Welcome to GlobeZilla, an interactive tool that lets you project custom equirectangular maps onto a 3D globe, adjust settings like rotation speed, background, and size, and even create GIFs of your globe in action. This guide will walk you through each feature, helping you make the most of GlobeZilla.

Table of Contents

1. Getting Started
2. Main Components Overview
3. Using GlobeZilla
   • Uploading a Map
   • Setting a Background
   • Adjusting Globe Settings
   • Interacting with the Globe
   • Taking Screenshots
   • Recording a GIF
4. Zooming and Resetting View
5. FAQ

Getting Started

Before diving into the features, make sure you have the necessary resources available:

• A computer with a modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari) that supports WebGL.
• Access to equirectangular map images for globe projections (optional, but recommended).
• Optional: Background images to further customize your globe.

Once you're ready, load up GlobeZilla in your browser. Upon opening the page, you’ll see two main sections:

1. The sidebar on the left where you can control settings and upload files.
2. The main-content area on the right where your 3D globe will be displayed and manipulated.

Main Components Overview

1. Sidebar: This is the control center for GlobeZilla. Here, you can:

   • Upload images to be projected onto the globe.
   • Upload or change the background image.
   • Adjust settings like globe rotation speed and size.
   • Capture screenshots or record GIFs of the rotating globe.

2. Main Content Area: The main display area that shows the 3D globe. You can interact with the globe by clicking and dragging it or using the zoom and reset buttons.

3. Control Buttons (top-right corner of the main area):

   • Zoom In/Out: Zoom in or out on the globe.
   • Reset View: Return the globe to its default orientation and camera distance.

Using GlobeZilla

Uploading a Map

To project a custom map onto the globe:

1. Find the "Upload Map" section in the sidebar.
2. Click “Upload Map”, and a file dialog will open. Select a file from your computer.
   • The map should be in an equirectangular projection format for best results (i.e., a 2D flat map designed to wrap around a sphere).
3. Once the file is uploaded, the texture of the globe will update to display the map.

Tip: If your map doesn't fit the globe properly, it may not be in the correct projection format. Ensure you're using an equirectangular map image for accurate wrapping around the sphere.

Setting a Background

To further customize your globe, you can set a background image or color:

1. Upload a Background Image:

   • In the "Upload Background" section of the sidebar, click the button and choose an image file from your computer.
   • The background will update to display the uploaded image behind the globe.

2. Change Background Color:

   • In the "Background Color" section, click the color picker to choose a color.
   • The background color will immediately update behind the globe.
   • This feature is particularly useful when you don’t want an image as the background but prefer a solid color instead.

Adjusting Globe Settings

GlobeZilla allows you to customize how the globe behaves and looks:

1. Rotation Speed:

   • In the sidebar, find the “Rotation Speed” slider.
   • Adjust the slider from 0 to 0.1. The default is set to 0.005.
   • Increasing the value will make the globe rotate faster; lowering it will slow the rotation.

2. Sphere Width:

   • The “Sphere Width” slider adjusts the width of the globe. By default, the width is set to 1, representing a normal sphere.
   • Increasing or decreasing this value stretches the globe horizontally, allowing you to create more exaggerated shapes.

Tip: Experiment with rotation speed and width to create different visual effects.

Interacting with the Globe

Once you have your map uploaded, you can interact with the globe in real-time:

• Click and Drag: Left-click anywhere on the globe, hold, and move your mouse to rotate the globe around different axes.
• Zoom: You can zoom in and out using the Zoom In/Out buttons in the top-right corner or with your mouse scroll wheel.
• Reset View: To return to the default view, click the Reset View button.

Taking Screenshots

Want to capture a snapshot of your globe? Follow these steps:

1. Click the "Take Screenshot" button in the sidebar.
2. The app will capture the current view of the globe and automatically download the image as a PNG file.

The downloaded screenshot will be named globezilla_screenshot.png.

Recording a GIF

You can create an animated GIF of the rotating globe:

1. Click the "Record Rotation GIF" button in the sidebar.
   • The globe will rotate, and the tool will start capturing frames.
2. Once the GIF has been recorded (after a full rotation), the file will automatically be compiled.
3. You will be prompted to download the GIF or preview it:
   • Click "Preview GIF" to see how the animation looks.
   • The GIF will be named globezilla_rotation.gif and automatically downloaded once the recording is finished.

Note: GIF recording captures a full rotation by default, ensuring a smooth looping animation.

Zooming and Resetting View

You have several options to control the view of your globe:

1. Zooming In/Out:

   • Use the Zoom In button to move the camera closer to the globe.
   • Use the Zoom Out button to move the camera further away.

2. Resetting the View:

   • Clicking the Reset View button will bring the camera back to the default position, with the globe centered and at a moderate zoom level.

FAQ

Q: What types of images work best for the map upload?
A: Equirectangular maps work best, as they are designed to wrap accurately around a 3D sphere. Common formats include JPEG, PNG, and GIF. Ensure the aspect ratio is approximately 2:1.

Q: Can I use any image for the background?
A: Yes, you can upload any image for the background, but ideally, use large, high-quality images for the best visual experience.

Q: How do I reset the globe to its original settings?
A: You can reset the globe’s rotation and view by clicking the Reset View button in the top-right corner. If you want to reset the textures or colors, you’ll need to re-upload the default files or colors manually.

Q: What should I do if my globe doesn’t rotate properly?
A: Ensure that the rotation speed is set correctly using the slider in the sidebar. If the rotation is still problematic, try resetting the globe’s view using the reset button.

With GlobeZilla, you have full control over how your globe looks, moves, and interacts. From uploading custom maps to creating dynamic GIFs, GlobeZilla provides a powerful platform for visualizing maps on a 3D globe. Enjoy your exploration!