BIRD'S EYE VIEW

Google Maps reveals aerial views of Earth’s most stunning landscapes – and there are thousands to see

Sean Keach, Digital Technology and Science Editor

Published: 16:26, 12 Feb 2020
Updated: 17:04, 12 Feb 2020

GOOGLE has added 1,000 new images to Earth View – a collection of the most beautiful landscapes from Google Earth.

These top-down snaps reveal the very best scenery our planet has to offer from a bird's eye view.

This view of Hail Province, Saudi Arabia, was captured from space — This view of Hail Province, Saudi Arabia, was captured from spaceCredit: Google

The Earth View collection now features 2,500 images from around the world in total – all taken from space.

"As a species, we've only had access to views from space for the last 50 years," said Gopal Shah, Product Manager for Google Earth.

"Yet something encoded in us long ago seems to wake up when we see the world at this unprecedented scale."

Here are some of the best shots...

1. Brawley, United States

Brawley, United States – a Google Earth view captured from space — Brawley, United States – a Google Earth view captured from spaceCredit: Google

2. Ajdabiya, Libya

Ajdabiya, Libya – a Google Earth view captured from space — Ajdabiya, Libya – a Google Earth view captured from spaceCredit: Google

3. Nonning, Australia

Nonning, Australia – a Google Earth view captured from space — Nonning, Australia – a Google Earth view captured from spaceCredit: Google

4. Antarctica

Antarctica – a Google Earth view captured from space — Antarctica – a Google Earth view captured from spaceCredit: Google

5. Zapotiltic, Mexico

Zapotiltic, Mexico – a Google Earth view captured from space — Zapotiltic, Mexico – a Google Earth view captured from spaceCredit: Google

6. Bockhorst, Germany

Bockhorst, Germany – a Google Earth view captured from space — Bockhorst, Germany – a Google Earth view captured from spaceCredit: Google

7. Bayingol, China

Bayingol, China – a Google Earth view captured from space — Bayingol, China – a Google Earth view captured from spaceCredit: Google

8. Karas Region, Namibia

Karas Region, Namibia – a Google Earth view captured from space — Karas Region, Namibia – a Google Earth view captured from spaceCredit: Google

9. Exuma, The Bahamas

Exuma, The Bahamas – a Google Earth view captured from space — Exuma, The Bahamas – a Google Earth view captured from spaceCredit: Google

10. Al Fasher, Sudan

Al Fasher, Sudan – a Google Earth view captured from space — Al Fasher, Sudan – a Google Earth view captured from spaceCredit: Google

11. El Loa, Chile

El Loa, Chile – a Google Earth view captured from space — El Loa, Chile – a Google Earth view captured from spaceCredit: Google

12. Shuryshkarsky District, Russia

Shuryshkarsky District, Russia – a Google Earth view captured from space — Shuryshkarsky District, Russia – a Google Earth view captured from spaceCredit: Google

13. Korgalzhyn District, Kazakhstan

Korgalzhyn District, Kazakhstan – a Google Earth view captured from space — Korgalzhyn District, Kazakhstan – a Google Earth view captured from spaceCredit: Google

14. Sweetwater, United States

Sweetwater, United States – a Google Earth view captured from space — Sweetwater, United States – a Google Earth view captured from spaceCredit: Google

15. Jamnagar, India

Jamnagar, India – a Google Earth view captured from space — Jamnagar, India – a Google Earth view captured from spaceCredit: Google

16. Villalba del Alcor

Villalba del Alcor – a Google Earth view captured from space — Villalba del Alcor – a Google Earth view captured from spaceCredit: Google

17. Tabuk Province, Saudi Arabia

Tabuk Province, Saudi Arabia – a Google Earth view captured from space — Tabuk Province, Saudi Arabia – a Google Earth view captured from spaceCredit: Google

18. Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom

Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom – a Google Earth view captured from space — Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom – a Google Earth view captured from spaceCredit: Google

19. Benenitra, Madagascar

Benenitra, Madagascar – a Google Earth view captured from space — Benenitra, Madagascar – a Google Earth view captured from spaceCredit: Google

20. Tes, Mongolia

Tes, Mongolia – a Google Earth view captured from space — Tes, Mongolia – a Google Earth view captured from spaceCredit: Google

21. Sanlúcar la Mayor, Spain

Sanlúcar la Mayor, Spain – a Google Earth view captured from space — Sanlúcar la Mayor, Spain – a Google Earth view captured from spaceCredit: Google

Google Earth – the key facts

Here's what you need to know...

Google Earth is a computer program that provides detailed views of Earth
It renders a 3D representation of Earth, largely based on satellite imagery
The app first launched on June 11, 2001
This allows users to see cities and landscapes from different angles
The app is available on computers and mobile devices
According to Google, the Earth program covers more than 98% of the world
Google also claims to have captured more than 10million miles of Street View imagery

You can check out the full collection .

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What's your favourite Google Earth photo? Let us know in the comments!

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