Google Earth Engine: Vancouver Over 30 Year Time Lapse!

Google Earth Engine is a time lapse of a global, zoomable video that lets you see how the Earth has changed over the past 32 years!

At first glance, it looks a little something like Google Maps, but the similarities stop there. According to Google Earth Engine, they’ve combined over 5 million satellite images acquired over the past three decades by 5 different satellites. The majority of the images come from an observation program that has been tracking the Earth since the 1970s. For 2015 and 2016, they combined imagery with the European Commission and European Space Agency’s Copernicus Earth observation program.

You can select the area, speed and zoom as you explore how the earth has changed over the decades.

Here’s a look at Vancouver:

Outside of this just being cool to look at, the idea is to put the easily accessible data to good use. Scientists, researchers, and journalists can use this tool to detect changes, map trends, and quantify differences on the Earth’s surface.

Beyond B.C., there’s been some drastic development in other areas of Canada. Here’s how Fort McMurray, Alberta has changed over time:

Check out the sprawl of Las Vegas!

And the ever-growing Brazil!

A lot has changed!! You can explore more on Google Earth Engine HERE!