3D Earth using curve to mesh

Question

I'm trying to make a globe model for earth using fairly accurate projections. I've been able to convert the SVG into mesh, then into a sphere using this guide with Simple Deforms. However, since the vertices are only on the outline, when I deform the shape, it turns out like this monstrosity.

Is there a good way to easily add some curvature so this? Thanks!

Have you tried a remesh modifier (before extruding and even deforming to a sphere) ? — ChameleonScales, Jul 03 '17 at 02:51
@ChameleonScales I have not. I'm only a few weeks into using blender. I'll look into it! — Sjael, Jul 03 '17 at 03:02
@ChameleonScales If I try to remesh before extruding the mesh it gets destroyed. — Sjael, Jul 03 '17 at 03:12
@ChameleonScales Nevermind, I can just extrude then remesh, remove the extra vertical subdivisions and then deform sphereically. So far so good, thanks! — Sjael, Jul 03 '17 at 03:15
@Sjael please write an answer detailing what you did to solve your problem. It would help other users that have similar questions. Please read: https://blender.stackexchange.com/help/self-answer — , Jul 03 '17 at 04:11

score 2 · Answer 1 · answered Jul 03 '17 at 07:38

The problem I see with using an SVG file, that the once it gets converted to a mesh the topology is going to be a mess, mostly long triangles that are not going to deform or subdivide well.

It might be easier to use an image to do the displacement on a sphere (and use it also to create the texture).

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered Jul 08 '17 at 08:12

After I followed the instruction on how to deform a curve to a sphere, but before you apply the deforms, simply convert the curve to a mesh then use a remesh modifier. Then when you deform you get this, with a nice curve all the way around. Thanks to @ChameleonScales for the help!

3D Earth using curve to mesh

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