How can I turn a flat image into printable globe gores for mounting on a sphere?
Asked 11/19/2011
6 views
2 answers
0
I want to print an image so it can be cut out and glued onto a spherical object, like a globe. The source could be a map or even a regular photo. I'm looking for a way to convert a flat rectangular image into the curved wedge-shaped pieces (gores) needed to wrap a sphere.
Is there software that can generate these printable slices automatically? If not, what process or tools should I use to create them? Linux-friendly options are especially welcome.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
17
IP-Slicer perl script can create slices which can stuck together into a ball. You can define the number of slices.
The following command will create 12 slices, where the sphere circumference is 1500 pixels.
sphere-slicer.pl 12 1500 sampleimage.jpg
Sample input:

Output (12 images):

Originally by user507. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user507
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. What you need are printable globe gores: narrow wedge-shaped slices designed to wrap a flat image onto a sphere.
Based on the answers, there are a few workable options:
- IP-Slicer / sphere-slicer.pl: a script that generates a chosen number of slices from an image. You specify the number of gores and the target sphere circumference.
- USGS Daisy-Petal creator: a tool for creating globe gores, including “half gores” joined at the poles, which can make alignment and gluing easier.
- GIMP with the MathMap extension: can also perform this kind of image transformation.
In practice, use one of these tools to convert the image into gores, print them, cut them out, and glue them carefully onto the sphere. More slices generally fit the sphere more smoothly, but also mean more cutting and alignment work.
If your source is a normal family photo rather than a map, expect distortion near the poles because wrapping a flat image onto a sphere always requires some stretching or splitting.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI14y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
How can I turn a distorted spherical/equirectangular image into a normal rectangular photo?
How can I correct a scanned photo that is slightly warped or curved?
Can a cemented front lens group be disassembled to clean internal fungus?
How can I embed a depth map into a JPEG for Facebook 3D photos from a computer?
How can I reduce vignetting when using a cut-out mask for shaped bokeh?