Two decades ago, Google Earth launched and changed the way we see our planet forever. To mark this incredible milestone, we're sharing a collection of historical imagery from around the globe showing major cities and well-known areas transforming over time.
Berlin, Germany: Witness Berlin's monumental transformation since 1943: See the shift from post-war devastation to the building and fall of the Berlin Wall, culminating in a reunited city buzzing with modern development.
Boston’s Seaport: One of the fastest growing areas of Boston is its seaport, a previously industrial area. It’s undergone significant renovation in the past decade: You can see the incredible development of the waterfront and piers, including the addition of a park.
Brasilia, Brazil: See how part of Brasilia, the capital of Brazil, evolves into a dense, green and vibrant district, with the emergence of residential areas and commercial hubs.
Dallas’s North Lake: North Lake in Dallas has transformed from a reservoir into an area of rapid urban development. It features business parks, multi-family residences and entertainment venues.
Houston’s NRG Stadium: It’s hard to believe Houstin’s NRG Stadium was just farmland in 1944. You can see when the stadium was completed in 2002, and how the surrounding area has evolved to include parking, shops and restaurants over time.
Las Vegas, Nevada: Las Vegas expanded significantly year over year since 1984. Check out the steady addition of new roads, homes and businesses as the years go by!
Bergen, Norway: In Bergen, Norway, you can see the snowy fjords alternate with green land cover over time as the seasons change.
San Diego’s Gas Lamp quarter: San Diego has gone through magnificent change over the past decade, especially near the Gas Lamp quarter. Watch Petco Park take shape over several years and transform into a shiny green baseball diamond!
San Francisco’s Embarcadero: San Francisco's Embarcadero has evolved from a bustling port to a vibrant public waterfront. You can see when the nearby freeway was removed following the 1989 Loma Pieta earthquake and how the area now has pedestrian-friendly spaces, streetcars and renovated piers.
Singapore’s Marina Bay: In recent years, Singapore’s Marina Bay has transformed into a vibrant global city center. Watch the construction of iconic landmarks, including Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer, a ferris wheel, take shape near the waterfront.
