What distinguishes a global scene from a local scene in GIS?

The distinction between a global scene and a local scene in GIS revolves around the representation and visualization of geographic data. In a global scene, the data is visualized using a three-dimensional globe, which allows for a more realistic depiction of the Earth's curvature and spatial relationships on a planetary scale. This is particularly important for understanding global phenomena, such as climate patterns or geological features, which are best represented on a spherical model.

In contrast, a local scene is presented in a planar view, focusing on a specific area without the three-dimensional curvature of the globe. This flat representation is suitable for detailed analysis and visualization of smaller geographic areas, where the effects of the Earth's curvature are negligible.

The choice that accurately captures this fundamental difference highlights how global scenes utilize a globe for visualization, while local scenes employ a more straightforward, two-dimensional, planar perspective.