This article was originally published on Kueez
Perspective is an important thing, and can often be forgotten in day-to-day life. When we're going about our business in the place we call home, we often forget to stop and think about how beautiful the world around us is. The mission to space is one thing that for sure will alter the way a person sees things, and these satellite photos that offer a new view of Earth from high up in the sky, that will 100% shift the way you picture the earth too. Even from space, the beauty of our planet is astounding, and these photos will remind you how incredibly lucky you are to experience this wonder each and every day.
1. Green Star-Shaped Dutch Village
This village of Bourtange, Vlagtwedde in the Netherlands is a wonderful example of humans and mother earth working together to create a beautiful visual effect from space. Bourtange is a small village with a population of only 430 in the Netherlands - yes, that small. The inhabitants there are lucky enough to live in a star-shaped fort.
This twinkling vision was built in 1593 during the Eighty Years' War as a plan by the infamous William I of Orange who was looking to increase his power and control over the only road between Germany and Groningen. In 1960 the village was restored back to its former glory, and now it's proudly in place as an open-air museum open to anyone who wants to visit it today.
2. Red Box Barcelona
Barcelona is the famously beautiful and enchanting coastal city in the northeast of Spain. Nowadays it is a vibrant multicultural hub full of life and excitement, the city was actually founded in the classical era. This aerial view from Barcelona really helps to create this historical impression for us.
The perfect symmetry of the way the buildings align makes them look more like pieces of a board game rather than actual places where people live. So perfectly aligned, the view of Barcelona from above is incredibly satisfying to look at and helps one marvel at the wonder of human creation, especially since this view can only ever be seen from the clouds.
3. Air Space Base in Arizona
This is the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, Tuscon in Arizona, USA. And yes, it is real. Let's face it, this picture looks as if a parent has taken a picture of their childs' (very organized) playset. The way the aircraft are all lined up in order, categorized, and facing the same direction is a magnificent view.
It proves that the way children play when they are young can actually come in useful in later life, as this aerial view could very plausibly have been set up and designed by a child that is obsessed with airplanes. The color of the crafts contrasted with the red sand of the Arizona desert makes for a sight that is hard to forget.
4. Iconic Green Central Park
Central Park found in Manhattan, New York, is one of the most famous and iconic parks in all of the world. This satellite picture shows us the incredible way that the nature and water of the park contrast with the grey buildings that make up the rest of the packed up 'Big Apple'.
Before seeing the park from this view, it would be hard to imagine how perfectly the lines contrast with one another to make the perfect rectangle that is the park. The vision itself represents the beauty of nature, and how lucky we are to have the organic uncontrollable chaos of nature as opposed to the restricting lines of industrial housing.
5. The Long Great Wall Of China
This satellite picture makes the Great Wall of China seem as though it's just one thin line as it's contrasted with the dark-colored mountains of northern China. In actuality, it's incredible that one wall can actually be seen all the way from space, especially a wall that was built so long ago.
Some of the walls were built as early as the 7th Century BC, and continued afterward, for example in the Ming Dynasty, as a way of the ancient Emporers of China protecting and establishing the old borders of the North of China. Today it's still one of the great wonders of the world, and the view of the wall from space definitely helps to support this.
6. Swirly Desert Shores Community
The Desert Shores Community found in Las Vegas, Nevada is a stunning spectacle when pictured from space. Although the borders of the housing lines seem to be swirly and not ordered, at the same time, the end result seems to be perfectly tuned.
The various shades of reddy brown compliment each other so beautifully it's as if an artist put the color pallette together to create a painting. In actuality, it's a real-life community that has beautiful pools to swim in and a warm climate to live in.
7. Painting Patchwork Reservoir
This satellite view of New Bullards Bar Reservoir in California looks as if it could easily be a painting. The composition of the water next to the land, especially with the rocks that merge into the trees, naturally compliments each other beautifully.
This lake is found in the Tahoe region of California, and the way that the boats are positioned on the water in this photo makes it seem as though they are small figurines. Proof that satellite pictures capture images in a way that nothing else can.
8. Ordered Rows In Texas
This satellite view shows residential buildings in Texas looking as regimented as some army barracks. The pastel colors that make up the image complement each other perfectly, and yet portray a kind of sinister feeling.
It's funny how a picture that simply shows the way people live can end up looking so striking and, in a way, dark. This is the effect that humans can have on natural space; turning it into a patchwork of buildings. Whether for better or worse, the way it looks, in the end, is a vision that will stick in the mind.
9. Magical Venice
The city of Venice, built on water in Italy, is another wonder of the world. A city that can be navigated around by gondolas, floating on top of the water is something that should be experienced in-person.
From above, it looks equally as magical, almost incomprehensible that a city can be built upon the water in this way. This satellite photo from space really shows that it is this amazing, and that it is a wonder to behold from any angle.
10. Psychedelic Spanish Vineyards
This aerial view of these vineyards seems as if it could easily be a Van Gogh painting, or some other kind of impressionist artist. In actuality, it's a combination of natures' beauty and man-made planning that results in this swirling green vision.
Found in Huelva, Spain, which is a place with an average temperature of 64 degrees and a hugely high humidity percentage of between 60 to 80 percent, the climate is absolutely perfect for growing grapes for wine. This picture shows how nature is its own tapestry of beauty, found between the perfections and imperfections.
11. Space Station Or Greenhouses In Spain?
This picture of plasticulture greenhouses found in Almeria in Spain looks like it could be a picture taken of an actual space station on Mars. In actuality, it's the other way around and this picture is taken FROM space, OF earth. More specifically, a greenhouse collection located in Spain.
Plasticulture means using plastic materials to help agriculture, for example when plants need to be grown indoors. This huge project helping to create these hosts nearly 20,000 hectares of greenhouse structures, which makes for an astounding satellite photo that we can all agree is pretty spectacular.
12. The Incredible Durrat Al Bahrain Project
This satellite photo shows a midway point of the construction of the Durrat Al Bahrain. The construction of this project ended up costing over 6 billion dollars and was originally intended to be completed by 2015.
The vision was to create 15 connected and artificial islands that would look as striking from the ground level as they do from above. As we can see, the way the islands look from above is stunning and unique, and almost look like they could be made from clay.
13. Sad Views Of Amazon Deforestation
We know how unfortunate it is that the rainforests are being deforested. The Amazon rainforest is one of the biggest in the world, but unfortunately, the trees are slowly being depleted as humanity uses them for other reasons.
This particular picture shows this phenomenon happening in Para, Brazil. The clearcutting operations are stemming out from a central road which is the line in the middle of the picture. It's sad to see the green being removed in place of white, but the photo does give us a reminder of how important it is that we try and rebel against this kind of climate crisis action.
14. Cars All Lined Up At Port Newark
This photo is of the Elizabeth Marine Terminal at Port Newark. Rows upon rows of cars are in New Jersey, USA waiting to enter onto a ferry or boat. Although it might seem striking and overwhelming to be one of the cars in the queue, it is equally as striking to see the satellite image from above.
The way the cars look like toys really puts things into perspective, and can even cause us to ask more questions. Where are these cars going? Who is sitting inside each of the cars? When we see things from above, nothing quite seems the same.
15. Boca Raton Candyland
Boca Raton, a southern city found in Palm Beach, Florida, is known for its golf parks, beaches, and theme parks. This is very clear in the satellite image we can see from above. With all the different lights and patterns that we can see from the picture, you can see how this is true. It's even fun to look at from the sky.
Boca Raton itself is home to over 100,000 people who are big tennis fans and have a huge lifestyle center, entertainment hub, and indoor mall. The amazing patterns the buildings create can only be seen from above, but are a patchwork of fun and good vibes.
16. Glamorous Glastonbury Festival
Glastonbury Festival takes place in Worthy Farm in Somerset, UK is a huge show of people coming together to celebrate music and art. Over 200,000 people come together for a long weekend to live in tents and watch their favorite global superstars perform.
The fact that this landscape is created solely temporarily, with all of the lights and structures being brought up and down in a manner of months shows the ability humans have to throw an amazing party. The colors are a true indication of the joy of humans when they come together to sing, dance, and be merry.
17. AN RV Resort's Perfect Symmetry
Arizona is home to the 'Venture Out' RV park. A place for people with a passion for caravans to spend some time holiday making in a way that suits them. This huge resort found in the Arizona desert hosts a number of activities and spaces.
The way it is built is convenient for the people inside to find their way around, but it also creates a fantastic symmetrical image of the camp from above. Wonderful publicity for the park, and a wonder to see from a new perspective.
18. Wonderful Colorful Madrid
It's no wonder that Europe and Spain, in particular, have a reputation for being colorful, vibrant, and full of life. Like, come on, even the buildings are colorful! The fabulously happy picture of Puente de Vallecas in Madrid shows a patchwork of colorful square buildings bringing that extra flair and excitement to normal life.
Puente de Vallecas is one of the 21 districts in Spain, and this picture shows some housing complex areas and also a park that creates a quilt of color looking great from the satellite picture. We'd love to visit this area in real life, but for now, this awesome photo will do.
19. Awesome Ethiopian Agriculture
This photo shows the agricultural areas of Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia. It is amazing to see how small the residential areas are, contrasting with the huge farmlands that surround them.
The beautiful earthy colors of green, brown, and beige make up for a natural theme of abundance. It's almost like a painting that you can't look away from; the more you stare at it, the more you see, and the more you want to keep looking. Amazing.
20. Spectacular Spanish Cemetary
This is a satellite photo of Our Lady of Almudena Cemetary, located in Madrid in Spain. It is an understandable wish that our final resting place will be somewhere beautiful, peaceful, and memorable. This enormous cemetery definitely grants this wish.
This is one of the largest cemeteries in the world, with the number of graves being estimated at over 5 million. That's HUGE, and even more impressive when you consider that it is actually greater than the number of living residents in Madrid itself. The concept is incredible, to be walking in the graveyard is a privilege, and the view of the site from above is definitely unbelievable too.
21. Circular Floating Florida Islands
This picture shows the deep turquoise beautiful blue waters of Biscayne Bay which is inhabited with two floating islands on top. These are manmade islands found at Miami Beach which look absolutely idyllic from above, and they are also in very high demand to be lived in.
Since so many people want to live here, the properties are valued at a very high price. However, there is a catch. Both islands are only possible to be reached by one road; the MacArthur Causeway which means that in the case of a hurricane, these are some of the first places to be evacuated. It's a risk, but the photo makes it seem as though it could be worth it.
22. Scary Spaghetti Junction, Spain
These crossroads, known as Spaghetti Junction, are located in the southeastern part of Madrid, Spain. We'll be honest, it seems like our absolute worst nightmare to try and navigate driving this crossroad. Like, one wrong turn and there's no way back. This is the moment where the A-3 and M-50 highways and create madness.
We're gonna be honest, the satellite picture of the junction doesn't make it look any less daunting. Honestly looking like something out of a dystopian future, the landscape makes for a very impressive image.
23. Danish Eco Circles
The eco-community of Brondy Haveby is found in Denmark and looks as beautiful and magical as it is. It is a truly unique eco-community filled with circular housing areas, built within a garden framework. Eco-friendly and sustainable, the community shares similar values and ideals.
The city was designed in 1964 with the idea that the circles would be the central feature, and this image taken from space shows us that this is still the case today. This garden city looks just as utopian from above as the whole concept of it is as well.
24. Terrific Terraced Rice Paddies
Using terraces to farm crops (particularly rice) on hilly terrains is a commonly used technique. This helps to spread the water among all the crops, using good irrigation. This is what has been created here in the paddy fields of Yuanyang County in Yunnan, China. The effect of this is a beautiful scene that looks like an oil painting.
The way the colors blend in together with their sweeping lines and curves creates a beautiful vision that seems as though it could only be painted. This image is the cultivation of 1300 years of work where the Hani people of the Yuanyang county have worked together to create these spectacular fields on the mountainside.
25. Landscaping Lines
This landscaping park in Florida shows how neat and precise humans can be when working with nature. The lines almost look as if they are a gradient chart, showing all the different kinds of green.
Luscious and beautiful, this agricultural work in Florida really is a wonderful spectacle to see from up above. Nature at its finest.
26. Patches Of Destruction
This photo shows yet again, the impact that humanity is having on glorious green nature. The white patches are the places where humans have cut down the trees for their own use.
This is El Dorado National Forest in Georgetown, California, and this satellite image really shows what a shame the destruction of nature is. A patchwork quilt of destruction, we hope these images will become rarer in the future.
27. Circles and Squares
This is a satellite photo taken of Edson, Kansas, USA. The combination of the circles and squares of patches of land makes this image truly extraordinary.
It reminds us of a glitchy TV or computer screen, when the image hasn't been able to load properly. In reality, it's a picture of the land as a result of the way it has been used. Amazing to look at.
28. Saudi Irrigation Fields
In another photo that looks exactly like it's something digital; this time like a series of CD disks all lined up, we have these irrigation fields found in Saudi Arabia.
Although they are not natural, these take up a big stretch of land, and when you look at the image from above, it seems like there's no way this can be a picture of the earth. Even the colors seem to be unreal, but it just shows how amazing satellite images can be.
29. Curvy Cathedral View
When we think of Cathedrals, we don't imagine them looking like this. This satellite photo of St. Peters Basilica shows us the beauty of these huge buildings from above.
The elegance of this one building standing out in its circular shape is something that is surely hard to forget.
30. A Packed Holy Site
This is a picture of Mecca, Saudi Arabia. This is one of the holiest sites in the world, and the holiest place for the Muslim people of the Islamic faith.
For close to a quarter of the world's population it is a dream to go and visit this exact spot, and even from the satellite photo you can see how many people are there. We can only imagine the energy in the space itself.
31. The Huge Hoover Dam
Humans build dams in order to control water flow in places where it's necessary. The Hoover Dam in Nevada is one of the biggest examples of this.
The enormous scale of this man-made effort makes it a popular tourist destination, and the aerial view from above shows us just how huge and majestic this effort really is.
32. Beautiful Shaped Palmanova
This village in Italy is so beautifully shaped, it's a shame that the only way we can see it from this view is through a satellite picture.
Having said that, the insides of the town are probably equally as beautiful with all the red roofs of the buildings and greenery surrounding them. Some places really do seem like they are straight out of a fairytale.
33. Iconic Golden Gate Bridge
One of the most famous bridges in the world; the Golden Gate Bridge in California is painted orange in order for it to be easily visible in the fog.
In this photo we see the bridge looking glorious from above, and the contrast of the orange with the deep green water beneath is a stunning sight.
34. Extravagant Versailles Always Amazes
The Palace of Versailles is one of the most enchanting and beautiful spots in Paris and the gardens that sprawl around the building are equally as incredible.
This aerial view captures the garden in all of its glory and shows the perfect symmetry of it all. The next best thing after actually being able to go Paris is definitely looking at this photo.
35. Fierce Red Is Real
Yes, this is real, it's a picture of Ferrari World located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The Gulf States certainly know how to use their money in unusual and unique ways, and this happens to be one of them.
The view from above shows us an amazing red complex, complete with the Ferrari logo. We're sure that any car lover would go absolutely nuts over this satellite picture.
36. Crazy Crowding In Delhi
India is known for being one of the poorest countries in the world, with a huge population to feed. This satellite image of Delhi helps us to put this into context.
The sheer amount of houses stuffed into one space of land is shocking, with no color or separation. Sometimes a photo like this is really needed to put things into perspective.
37. Kaleidoscopic Paris
The center of this photo is the Arc de Triomphe, the iconic monument in the center of the famous Parisian city of love.
This photo shows just how much urban planning really went into making Paris the iconic city it has become. It is designed and organized perfectly, and this satellite image really does all of that effort justice.
38. Cambodian Water Fortress
Angkor Wat was designed and built many, many years ago. The result as we can still see today is truly breathtaking.
The combination of the blue and green colors makes this photo seem incredibly natural and beautiful. Definitely makes this place a top 10 on our bucket list.
39. Deep Blue Bora Bora
We mean, come on, who could say no to some turquoise blue seas of this color? Looks like absolute heaven to us.
As if we needed any more convincing that Bora Bora is a destination we've got to visit, this photo definitely does the job. What we wouldn't give to be floating in that sea right now...
40. Fires In Australia
This last image shows the effects of forest fires on the way the earth looks from above. Australia, unfortunately, suffered from fires last year, and NASA was able to capture it.
This kind of image shows us how the things that happen on earth have a huge impact to the whole atmosphere around them. Hopefully, there won't be more of these kinds of images in the future.