See how KL, Beijing and more have changed with these mesmerising timelapse videos
The Google Earth team have unleashed their latest creation, and it’s one of the most fascinating products they’ve ever done – especially in Asia where the pace of change and development is sky-high. Timelapse by Earth Engine is a global, zoomable video that lets users see how the Earth has changed over the past 32 years.
Here are eight videos showing some of the major cities in Asia and how quickly they have developed (each video repeats the timeframe three times). For the interactive versions, or if you want to check out other cities, including some in the Middle East, Europe and the US, visit earthengine.google.com/timelapse.
1. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
We’re trying to spot Petronas Towers – can you see them?
2. Beijing Capital International Airport, China
The rapid appearance of the second terminal is like amoeba multiplying:
3. Osaka, Japan
In this video, you actually see the fast rise of man-made islands in the water:
4. Bangkok
The rate of expansion eastwards is frightening:
5. Chengdu, China
The screen changes from predominantly green to brown in a few short moments:
6. Halong, Vietnam
The rate of growth in this UNESCO World Heritage Site is pretty alarming:
7. Tokyo Haneda Airport, Japan
Watch how an extra runway appears and juts into the water:
8. Taipei, Taiwan
There’s some serious activity in the river running through Taipei:
These timelapse videos are mesmerising – it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come in terms of development. Also, it seems like humans really like building out into sea. Reclaiming land seems to be our forte.
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