The Duo map.
The political map (switched off) shows the various countries of the earth in many matched colours.
The physical map (switched on) shows the mountains, the plates, the plains and sea-beds.
The map is adjusted manually on a blown crystal sphere that is seamless and highly luminous.
The impression of relief shown by the illuminated map is really astonishing. Columbus doesn't just print their globes; they strive to create an incredibly deep, flawless shine. It all starts in their state-of-the-art 'clean printing room', where their craftsmen work just with superior acrylic sheets. Bringing in all kind of papers is strictly forbidden, because it would bring in fine paper dust particles which could later be attracted in the printing process. Printing up to 24 successive layers of colors, there's a curing process between each layer, along with an inspection and careful cleaning. Once the printing is complete, a high gloss clear coat layer is applied over the entire map, then it is sent back for inspection to our cartographic department.
Unmistakable Columbus cartography: Splendour of Elegance.
This model is a particular masterpiece of traditional globe manufacturing combined with innovative technology. The manufacturing of a hand-blown 21 inch large crystal glass globe is a true challenge that only a handful of glass artisans worldwide can conquer. This is why it takes many days until the selected materials can be turned into a cartographic and optical masterpiece with a great deal of experience, ability and passion. The cartography is hand-papered. This technique, handed down from generation to generation, has only been mastered by Columbus.
The passion and the craft required to produce this model, its stately size, simple elegance and extraordinary quality make it something truly special - unique and impossible to imitate.
This globe is the result of a successful collaboration between designers, cartographers and glass-blowers.
4D globe app for iPhone and iPad
Now you can take your Columbus DUO globe to the next level: download the Columbus 4D Globe app for iPhone or iPad and immerse yourself in virtual reality!
Simply move your iPhone or iPad over your illuminated DUO globe and, as if by magic, the weather or temperature data of all the major cities float above the globe. Or select the country encyclopaedia and discover exciting and important facts about the countries of the world. The content of the country encyclopaedia is being expanded daily. Have you always wanted to learn more about the Earth's interior? There are also alternative maps that conjure up new perspectives on the globe's surface.
You're guaranteed to be enlightened and amazed! The app progressively offers you new topics to discover. Available for the Columbus DUO series of globes in the App Store, only for iPhone or iPad.
This product is compatible with the Columbus Audio/Video-Pen OID!
OID - optical image decoding: what's behind this technology?
This globe offers the option to read a code using the sensor on the tip of the optional Columbus Audio/Video-Pen OID . This code is linked to various audio or video files. When tapped on the globe, the pen detects the code and plays the appropriate file via the built-in speaker (or via the headphone output).
For example, by selecting the category Country Information, you will find out the size of the country, its population, its population growth, the name of its capital city and much more besides - all depending on where on the globe you tap the pen.
Under Interesting Facts you will find fascinating, insightful and extremely comprehensive facts and figures about the country. All countries are presented in detail.
The National Anthems category, which plays the song associated with the individual countries, is especially impressive. You can test your knowledge in a fun way with the fourth category - the Quiz. You'll get interesting answers to all your questions, simply by tapping on the relevant spot on the globe. Take part in a fascinating voyage of discovery around our planet Earth!
Please note: To play the associated video files, you must first download the Columbus Video Pen app from the App Store or from Google Play on your tablet or smartphone.
