Rainier Industries eNewsletter Version 20

A Fascinating Attraction: Orbis Globes

In 1985, inspired by the pictures he had seen of the Earth from space, Eric J. Morris founded a company devoted to designing and producing photorealistic replicas of our planet. The company, Orbis World Globes, is located in Eastsound, Washington, and creates inflatable globes in many sizes that depict Earth as it is seen from space – complete with atmospheric cloud cover.

Applying proprietary cartographic software to transform flat-map imagery into multiple gores (2-D tapered sections) for creating spherical globes, Orbis now designs and produces the most visually authentic replicas of Earth ever created. In 2002, Eric teamed up with Rainier to assist in the printing and manufacturing of his globes. The NASA satellite imagery is combined into a flat world map which is digitally printed at Rainier on a superwide inkjet printer, then cut and sewn into a multi-panel globe that is inflated into a perfect sphere.

“One of the things I love about working with Rainier,” Morris comments, “is the fact that they can do all of the necessary globe fabrication work under one roof. They print the images, stitch the pieces together and they can even make the metal frames and stands.” Morris appreciates the partnership he’s developed with Rainier Industries. “I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with people in many of the different departments. I very much appreciate the enthusiasm, capability and vision of the employees at Rainier.”

Orbis globes can be mounted on floor pedestals, suspended overhead, filled with helium and tethered in the air, or even deployed as remote-controlled flying “EarthBlimps.” Small electric motors enable the globes to slowly rotate on their axes, as does the real Earth. Internal illumination, custom graphics / logos, and many other options are also available.

Numerous Orbis world globes from 3 to 20-feet in diameter have been custom-built to inspire millions of people from the 2002 Olympic Games to venues as diverse as festivals, museums, libraries and trade show exhibits worldwide….

Some of the Special Events where Orbis globes have been used and/or displayed:

2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City (collaboration with NASA)

United Nations’ World Urban Forum in Vancouver, Canada, 2006

Space 2006 conference, in San Jose, California

NASA employed a 16-inch diameter EarthBall for an education film it made about the STS-45 shuttle mission

10-foot diameter, internally illuminated, rotating globe in the education center at Washington’s Fairchild Air Force Base

8-foot diameter rotating world globe at the entrance to the Evolving Planet exhibit at Chicago’s Field Museum

8-foot diameter rotating world globe with NightGlow Cities in the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum in New York City’s Times Square

Orbis World Globes are custom crafted to the limits of your imagination. We can turn your graphic concept, artwork or pipedream into a beautiful giant sphere of wonder. For more information call Willard Park: 425-981-1246.

Thank you for your continued interest in Rainier Industries products.


eNewsletter Home Rainier Wins at the WCPA Expo Rainier is Instrumental in 2008 Ballpark Improvements A Fascinating Attraction: Orbis Globes The Curtain Please –revitalization of downtown Tacoma Rainier Windows highlights its Fabricators	A Fascinating Attraction: Orbis Globes Scott Campbell, President of Rainier Industries Orbis Globe getting sewn together in Rainier's fabric shop In 1985, inspired by the pictures he had seen of the Earth from space, Eric J. Morris founded a company devoted to designing and producing photorealistic replicas of our planet. The company, Orbis World Globes, is located in Eastsound, Washington, and creates inflatable globes in many sizes that depict Earth as it is seen from space – complete with atmospheric cloud cover. Applying proprietary cartographic software to transform flat-map imagery into multiple gores (2-D tapered sections) for creating spherical globes, Orbis now designs and produces the most visually authentic replicas of Earth ever created. In 2002, Eric teamed up with Rainier to assist in the printing and manufacturing of his globes. The NASA satellite imagery is combined into a flat world map which is digitally printed at Rainier on a superwide inkjet printer, then cut and sewn into a multi-panel globe that is inflated into a perfect sphere. “One of the things I love about working with Rainier,” Morris comments, “is the fact that they can do all of the necessary globe fabrication work under one roof. They print the images, stitch the pieces together and they can even make the metal frames and stands.” Morris appreciates the partnership he’s developed with Rainier Industries. “I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with people in many of the different departments. I very much appreciate the enthusiasm, capability and vision of the employees at Rainier.” Orbis globes can be mounted on floor pedestals, suspended overhead, filled with helium and tethered in the air, or even deployed as remote-controlled flying “EarthBlimps.” Small electric motors enable the globes to slowly rotate on their axes, as does the real Earth. Internal illumination, custom graphics / logos, and many other options are also available. Numerous Orbis world globes from 3 to 20-feet in diameter have been custom-built to inspire millions of people from the 2002 Olympic Games to venues as diverse as festivals, museums, libraries and trade show exhibits worldwide…. Some of the Special Events where Orbis globes have been used and/or displayed: 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City (collaboration with NASA) United Nations’ World Urban Forum in Vancouver, Canada, 2006 Space 2006 conference, in San Jose, California NASA employed a 16-inch diameter EarthBall for an education film it made about the STS-45 shuttle mission 10-foot diameter, internally illuminated, rotating globe in the education center at Washington’s Fairchild Air Force Base 8-foot diameter rotating world globe at the entrance to the Evolving Planet exhibit at Chicago’s Field Museum 8-foot diameter rotating world globe with NightGlow Cities in the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum in New York City’s Times Square Orbis World Globes are custom crafted to the limits of your imagination. We can turn your graphic concept, artwork or pipedream into a beautiful giant sphere of wonder. For more information call Willard Park: 425-981-1246.

Residential Awnings \| Commercial Awnings \| Banners \| Displays \| Exhibits \| Industrial Stadium Graphics \| Structures \| Tents \| Windows \| Yurts Thank you for your continued interest in Rainier Industries products. If you do not wish to receive e-mail from Rainier Industries click here. ©2008 Rainier Industries. All Rights Reserved. 18435 Olympic Ave South, Seattle, WA 98188