Sudden changes in urban landscapes can be seen through mapping using satellite imagery. This includes developments of shanty towns, which can add risk to cities since they are often poorly constructed and can be in places prone to landslides or other natural hazards.

Mapping urban change over time can help planners develop long-term strategies for the communities they serve. Satellite imagery can also reveal short-term changes for celebrations – such as the large number of people on the move during the Hajj or Chinese New Year, or festivals such as Bike Week in Sturgis, South Dakota, or the Glastonbury Festival in England. The number of people at certain gatherings – particularly large-scale protests – can have political ramifications, and disputed numbers may be circulated by organisers, police, or city officials. Imaging from space along with computer modelling have allowed for new ways of estimating the number of people in these crowds with better accuracy.

Featured Educators:

• Dr Kanta Kumari Rigaud

• Professor Jose Moreno

• Simonetta Cheli

View featured satellites on the satellite tracking app

• Landsat-7

• Landsat-8

• Sentinel-2

Don’t forget you can download the video, transcript and take any quizzes available with the links on the right.