Interactive World Explorer: Geography & Modern Studies

Interactive World Explorer – Classroom Mapping Tool

World Explorer is a fully interactive 3D globe designed to support enquiry-based learning in Geography, Modern Studies, Social Subjects, and Global Issues.

Pupils can explore countries, compare development indicators, and investigate global patterns using multiple layered views and live highlighting tools.

Key Features

• Click and hover to explore country profiles

• Multiple map views, including:

  • Political
  • Government Type
  • Democracy Index
  • Population
  • Climate Zones
  • Religion (simplified majority)
  • Time Zones
  • CO₂ per capita
  • HDI

• Highlight tools for:

  • Continents
  • Political alliances (EU, NATO, BRICS, etc.)
  • Major wars
  • Historical blocs

• Detailed country information panel:

  • Capital
  • Languages
  • Currency
  • Government
  • Population
  • Development indicators

• Works offline once loaded

• No installation required

• Suitable for projector and interactive whiteboard use

Classroom Uses

This resource is ideal for:

• Comparing development and sustainability
• Investigating political alliances and conflict
• Exploring climate and settlement patterns
• Supporting extended research projects
• Modelling exam-style comparison questions
• Whole-class discussion and enquiry tasks

Suitable for KS3, National 5, Higher, and equivalent courses.

How It Works

1. Unzip the folder
2. Open index.html in Chrome or Edge
3. The globe loads automatically
4. Use the left-hand panel to control views and filters

No additional software required.

A “Reset All” button is included to quickly return to a clear starting view.

Data and Disclaimer

This tool uses open-access global datasets, including Rest Countries, Natural Earth, Our World in Data, and World Bank/UNDP sources.

Some indicators and classifications are simplified or grouped for teaching clarity.

This resource is intended for educational exploration and should be used alongside wider discussion and sources.

Creator

Created by
Scott Johnston
Computing Science Teacher
Hamilton Grammar School
South Lanarkshire, Scotland

Designed for real classroom use.

Included

• Interactive World Explorer application
• Ready-to-use offline files
• User README

Version

Version 1.0 – January 2026