I thought it would be helpful to post this VERY useful tool on the forums.
Plotz - click me!

In the upper left corner you can choose different structures (be sure to check out the lighthouse and observatory! <object class="emojione" data="https://resources.enjin.com/1489581540/themes/core/images/emojione/svg/1f600.svg?0" type="image/svg+xml" standby=":d">:d</object>)
You can alter the sphere diameter (changes the size of your sphere) by clicking the + and -.
The handy thing about this tool is that you can cycle through the layers. Start at layer 1 (put show up to layer on 1) and build what you get to see <object class="emojione" data="https://resources.enjin.com/1489581540/themes/core/images/emojione/svg/1f609.svg?0" type="image/svg+xml" standby=";)">;)</object>
Also, if you need help on drawing circles ingame, check out the tool described in this post:
http://www.minetown.net/forum/m/672632/viewthread/1294680-drawing-circles-in-minecraft