I ticked the first box to make the earth go the right way As you can see, it's here where you can choose clockwise or anti-clockwise, specify the colours and say how many frames you want - more than 100 will take a little while, but gives a much smoother globe (but bigger file size). The next step is just to use the Spinning Globe tool in GIMP (as below) and then select some options (also below). It will still work if you don't do this but instead of a smooth circle you'll end up with a slightly pixellated circle, and it won't look as nice.Īlways do this for a smooth globe outlineĤ. See below for how to do this in GIMP - the image shows my selecting 'Semi-Flatten' after already adding the Alpha Channel, which is in the same menu. In order to avoid blocky, pixely edges you need to add an Alpha Channel and then Semi-Flatten it. Use GIMP (or PhotoShop or similar) and open the image. If you don't turn it into a square you'll end up with a spinning rugby ball.ģ. I'd aim for no more than 800 x 800 in size. Turn it into a square by re-sizing in your chosen image programme. Find an image from Virtual Earth that you like.Ģ. How to make your own spinning globe (should you have nothing better to do)ġ.