> Globe.gl – A Lightweight, Actively Maintained Globe Library - github 
**Globe.gl** is a modern JavaScript UI component for rendering highly interactive 3D globes using WebGL and Three.js. It’s designed to make it easy to overlay data layers—markers, arcs, hex bins, and more—onto a rotating, zoomable globe, all while remaining performance-friendly and mobile-compatible.
# Maintenance Status - The project is **actively maintained**—its GitHub repository shows recent activity in 2025, with ongoing issue discussions and updates. - Issues are being logged and addressed regularly, which suggests a responsive developer base and community. - Globe.gl builds on the reliable foundation of **Three.js**, ensuring compatibility with the evolving web and hardware standards.
# Related Libraries for 3D Globe Animations Across Devices Here are some well-supported alternative options: | Library | Highlights | |--------|------------| | CesiumJS | High-performance, full-featured 3D globe and map engine. Great for geospatial apps needing terrain, tiles, and precision. Open source under Apache 2.0.| | NASA WorldWind | A web-based virtual globe SDK from NASA that supports imagery layers, terrain, and international standards.| | OpenWebGlobe | A scalable open-source SDK for rendering large geospatial datasets via WebGL; less active today but conceptually strong.| | WorldWide Telescope | Developed by Microsoft Research, it offers a 3D solar system and Earth models with rich data overlays and mobile support.|
# Is Globe.gl Might Be the Best Fit for Light Mobile Use? - **Minimal footprint** — no heavyweight geospatial framework required. - **Mobile-friendly** — WebGL-based and optimized for smooth performance on tablets and phones. - **Highly customizable** — extendable with Three.js primitives, overlays, and animations. - **Easy to embed** in static pages, Federated Wiki, LiveCode, as well as modern front‑end frameworks.
# Summary - **Globe.gl** is your go-to for fast, flexible, and well-supported 3D globe visuals across platforms. - For more advanced geospatial features (terrain, client-side geography), tools like **CesiumJS** or **WorldWind** may be more suitable. - All options work in modern browsers and support mobile, but differ in complexity, performance, and tooling needs.
# See
- Globe Sprint
- Globe.gl on github
- Hitchhiker Globe
- Plate Tectonics
- Earth Timeline