Globes
When choosing one of the options above, only the background image will change. Other layers like streets and places will remain untouched. This list (of currently two entries) is of dynamic nature, meaning it can appear differently, e.g. when new backgrounds will be added in the future or existing ones are temporarily deactivated due to an updating process. Size and data volume of the different backgrounds may vary.
Every background texture, e.g. the satellite image, is divided into thousands of small segments that are loaded from a server while you zoom and rotate the globe. They are saved to a temporary cache folder. The next time you visit an area on the globe that you've looked at before, the background will be taken from the cache rather than from a server which saves a lot of download time and traffic and speeds up the performance significantly.
Legend or key of the globe maps
This window can look differently depending on the current state of the globe.
Behind every layer's name there is a button to activate or hide the layer on the globe.
In some cases it might seem as if nothing happens on the globe after turning on a layer, because some symbols are only shown at a minimum distance (e.g. smaller places with a population less than 20,000). Just zoom in to have them displayed.
Legend of an overlay map (projected map)
When you open an overlay map (menu tab "Maps") you won't find the standard key in the legend window. You'll see a set of buttons reading "on", "off" and "enlarge" instead. The legend of a projected map is displayed on your screen as an image, which is not interactive or divided into layers. In fact it has been taken from the printed atlas in which the map initially was published.
Checking the radio button "enlarge", you can move the content of the "image"-legend with your cursor in the area while using your mouse wheel.
Clicking "Standard legend" you will return to the interactive layer list, but the overlay map won't be displayed any longer to avoid unwanted mismatches with the globe's original layers.
Maps
Diercke Maps
When you open an overlay map for the first time the download from the server will take up to half a minute depending on the speed of your online connection and the size of the map. The data will be saved simultaneously in the cache folder of your harddrive. The next time you open that particular map, it will be taken from the cache, saving time and improving performance. The maps are the same as in the printed product. The projection onto the globe is accurate. However, there can be some deviations with maps covering the whole globe which result in an impression of an "open seam". These maps originally had the oval shape of a planisphere, which cannot be reprojectetd perfectly.
The maps are listed starting with the page number under which they can usually be found in the printed product. You can also put them into alphabetical order. The page number will reside in front of the maps title.
You can restrict your search for a certain map by choosing a category in the pulldown menu "Topic".
Switch off all overlay maps projected onto the globe, even those that are not presently within sight by clicking "All off".
The visibility of an overlay map can be adjusted gradually by using the transparency slider. Closing the slider with the X-button on the upper right hand corner will also close the map. The keys of the maps won't be shown in the original "Legend"-window but as an image on the screen (read more here).
Clicking on "Additional information" will start your internet browser and show material and information relating to that particular map on the Diercke website. If the browser doesn't appear on top of the globe software, use the windows task bar to access it.
Scenes
You can save and load scenes by choosing "Scenes" (top bar) and "Personal scenes"
A scene freeze-frames the current situation of the digital globe, including active layers, chosen background texture, placed objects, overlay maps and even drawings. Viewing angle and altitude are also included.
Enter a name of your new scene and click on "save scene". The new entry will appear in the list below. Clicking on an entry will immediately recall a scene. You can sort the list alphabetically or by date of creation.
The drop down menu "Diercke scenes" contains presets assembled by the editors of the Diercke staff. This list can't be altered and will be updated occasionally.