I have a clear globe that i would like to project to a flat map. Any common projection should work, since computer programs exist for converting map projections. Where should i start?

A couple of details: First, my “globe” is an empty plastic Christmas tree ornament, so it can be hung from a string at one end but it doesn’t have a stand like a normal globe does.

Second, this is a worldbuilding thing. My globe does not represent any real planet or similar body, which is why i need to make a new map from the globe instead of finding an existing one.

EDIT: To be clear, i know about projections already. I’m not worried about picking a projection. What i’m asking about is the process is for taking a physical globe and projecting that globe’s surface onto a flat rectangle. I don’t know how to turn an imaginary cylinder or cone sitting on my globe into a tangible physical or digital map. I don’t have the means to cut up and unfold my globe until it’s flat. What is the actual process for making a map from a globe, for any projection? I know this isn’t how maps are traditionally made, but surely there must be a good way to do this.

  • Successful_Try543@feddit.org
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    4 hours ago

    The process of actually projecting the contours on the globe onto a flat (cylindrical) map is by either putting a strong light source inside the globe and place the paper cylinder around it. This projects the contours onto the cylinder. The contours then need to be traced onto the cylinder using a pen. The other option, e.g. if the globe isn’t translucent, is to paint a longitude/latitude grid onto it and start with an empty rectangular map with the same grid structure. Then, for every trapezoid on the globe, its content needs to be transferred to a the coresponding rectangle on the map.