Q: You mention a clue about how you got a 3D model of the earth and highlights of it in a podcast. You have a clue but I just couldn't work out how you did? Could you tell me how you did (If not give another clue)
A: that's pretty simple actually. just find an equirectangular map of the world (that means it's in the shape of a 2 by 1 rectangle) and then map it onto a sphere. Many programs actually have equirectangular as the default mapping scheme for mapping an image onto a sphere. tutorials out there are plentiful for how to do this in whatever your program of choice may be. in fact, many of those tutorials probably use a globe for the example. Actually, i think many programs actually have a globe all set and ready to go for you, although i didn't find that at the time. i actually ended up swapping out the map mid way through production, for one with a bit more clear CC rights