Update March 2026
Beta Testing: First Sector Assembly Underway
All 729 decals printed and laminated. Tiles, stems, and grid assembly components tested and verified. The first complete sector is coming together.
The Great Globe
A Cathedral to Earth
A massive community-driven project to build a 1:100,000 scale model of Earth, bringing people from around the world together.
The Great Globe takes practical action to unite communities worldwide in building a monumental 1:100,000 scale model of Earth.
Our project brings people from around the world to work together on a common goal. We send tile kits to anyone who wishes to participate — free of charge — with the tools required to attach tile stems and laminate satellite imagery decals. Each kit builds a group of 9 tiles.
Inspired by French geographer Élisée Reclus, who proposed a 1:100,000 scale globe for the 1900 Paris World's Fair — "A Cathedral to Earth" — we are turning that 200-year-old dream into reality.
A community-driven, open-source project where participants make the globe possible.
Watch: Build Time Lapse
Click to play
The Build Process
With four decades of engineering and a passion for global collaboration, we're building Earth — one tile at a time.
Tiles
3D Printed with Satellite Imagery
Each tile is 3D printed and covered with a high-resolution satellite imagery decal, coated with a mixture of water-based resin and powdered glass, then thermoformed for a realistic matte finish.
729 tiles per sector
Stems
Elevation-Accurate Supports
Variable-length stems calculated from real elevation data. Ranging from 0.5 inches at the ocean floor to 10 inches at Mount Everest, each stem precisely positions its tile on the globe surface.
5,000+ parts per sector
Assembly
Framework & Community Build
Laser-cut aluminum ribs, 3D printed grid components, and welded steel structures come together. Volunteers worldwide assemble tile kits with free tools and prepaid return shipping.
700 printers planned
Build Locations
Our primary site is located south of Phoenix, Arizona on Gila River Indian Community land. The site leverages existing infrastructure from a previously planned multi-billion dollar development, making it an ideal location for the globe.
4 freeway exits off Interstate 10
30 min from Phoenix International Airport
Existing hotels, restaurants & infrastructure
Adjacent to tribal cultural center & museum
Power transmission & utilities in place
Sovereign nation with flexible regulations
Gila River Community
The Gila River Indian Community can trace their history in Arizona back 10,000 years. They dug irrigation canals still in use today. The globe project aims to bring economic opportunity, education, and global tourism while respecting the land and its people.
Primary Site
~100 acres south of Phoenix, AZ — positioned to not disrupt sight lines or create traffic issues.
Proposed Sites Worldwide
Greece France Italy Spain Other US Sites
Additional proposals are being evaluated for globe construction around the world.
Project Scale
The Great Globe will be one of the largest community-built structures in the world, bringing together engineering, art, and global collaboration.
210ft
Globe Radius
729
Tiles Per Sector
700
3D Printers Planned
5,000+
Parts Per Sector
Community Benefits
Economic Opportunity
Tourism revenue, local employment, and infrastructure investment for host communities.
Education & STEM
700 printers in a visitor-facing factory, inspiring the next generation of makers and engineers.
Cultural Collaboration
A project that transcends borders, uniting participants from every corner of the globe.
Tourism & Visibility
A global landmark attracting visitors worldwide, putting host communities on the map.
Minimal Disruption
Carefully planned site selection ensuring no impact on neighbors' sight lines or traffic.
Open Source Spirit
Not owned by a company — the globe succeeds because the world wants it to happen.
News & Updates
Follow the journey as The Great Globe takes shape — from beta testing to global rollout.
Vision February 2026
Print Farm: 700 Printers Planned for Globe Site
Visitors to the globe build site will watch tiles being manufactured in real-time across a massive 3D print farm — part factory, part experience.
Program February 2026
Community Build: Volunteer Kit Program
Free tile kits are being prepared for worldwide distribution. Each kit includes tools, tiles, stems, and a prepaid return label in a reusable box.
More updates coming as the project progresses.
Join the Build
The Great Globe is a project that will succeed if the world wants it to happen. We're currently in beta testing and looking for passionate participants, partners, and host communities to help bring this vision to life.
Request a Tile Kit
Receive a free kit with tiles, tools, and prepaid return shipping. Build 9 tiles and be part of the globe.
Partner With Us
Foundations, organizations, and communities interested in hosting or supporting the globe project.
Host the Globe
Explore the benefits of hosting a Great Globe build site in your community.
Join the Beta
We're currently in beta testing. Sign up to be among the first participants.
Stay Updated
Get the latest news on The Great Globe project — build progress, new locations, and opportunities to participate.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.