Miniature Earth

FAQ

How do I add a globe to a page?

Choose a saved globe in the Miniature Earth block, or copy its shortcode from the globe list into a Shortcode block, for example [miniature_earth id="12"]. Use your own globe’s ID. Theme developers can use miniature_earth( ID ); in a template.

What technology does it use, and which browsers are supported?

Miniature Earth uses modern JavaScript, ES6 modules and a web component, with GPU rendering through WebGL. The globe library has no third-party runtime dependencies. Use a current desktop or mobile browser with WebGL enabled.

Does it require an API key or use tracking?

No map API key or external map service is required, and the globe includes no analytics or tracking. Supplied resources are hosted on your WordPress site. If you configure external asset URLs or links, those resources load from their respective hosts.

Can I make the globe accessible?

Add meaningful labels and enable the optional location list for keyboard-operated locations. Miniature Earth supports reduced-motion preferences. Provide a text alternative for important information shown on the globe.

Can I show streets, buildings or detailed terrain?

No. Miniature Earth is a stylized globe for locations, routes and data. It does not include street maps, 3D city models or detailed terrain.

Where do I get coordinates for my locations?

Place objects visually in the configurator, enter coordinates from your own data, or copy latitude and longitude from a map service such as Google Maps. Miniature Earth does not convert addresses into coordinates.

Can I use custom maps, images and 3D markers?

Yes. Choose your own assets from the WordPress media library. Use the supplied 3D meshes or convert your own OBJ models with the Mesh converter in the Developer Kit. WordPress upload restrictions apply; SVG uploads require a solution that safely validates SVG content. Converted meshes use Miniature Earth’s mesh SVG format.

Can I extend a globe with JavaScript or use live data?

Yes. Developers can use the JavaScript API to extend a globe created in WordPress, animate properties and update existing objects. Custom scripts can load locations and values from JSON, CSV or an API without recreating the globe. These workflows require scripting beyond the visual editor.

Readable JavaScript sources and build tools are included in the plugin. See the source file mapping and rebuild instructions in LICENSING.md.

What is included in the Developer Kit?

The optional Developer Kit includes the full developer documentation and API reference, 27 working examples with readable HTML, CSS and JavaScript, a Mesh converter for custom 3D markers, and developer support.

Examples cover property animations, live data, country statistics, marker clustering, route selection and playback, location lists and filters, tooltips and scroll-driven stories. Use them as a starting point for custom scripting, including extensions to globes created with this WordPress plugin.

Can I move a globe to another site?

Choose Export next to the globe, then Import project on the destination site. Import creates a new globe. Project files contain settings and asset references; media files are not embedded. Keep custom asset URLs accessible or choose replacement files in the destination site’s media library.

What happens when I deactivate or delete the plugin?

Deactivation keeps your globes. Deleting the plugin also keeps them by default. To remove saved globes and settings when deleting the plugin, first enable Delete saved globes when uninstalling on the plugin page. Media library files are always kept.

How are translations provided?

The plugin follows your WordPress user language. Available language packs are installed and updated through WordPress.org.