Here is an alternative look at some of the biggest events of 2014 – from space. DigitalGlobe, a provider of high-resolution satellite photos, has chosen the top satellite images of the year.
The images include satellite views of the protests in Ukraine and refugees fleeing Sinjar, as well as huge festivals such as Glastonbury and Oktoberfest.
Glastonbury Festival, Pilton, Somerset, England, June 25, 2014DigitalGlobeOktoberfest, Munich, Germany, September 24, 2014DigitalGlobeSinjar, Iraq, September 15, 2014: Satellites captured an exodus from the Iraqi city of Sinjar, where refugees traversed steep mountain switchbacks to escape Islamic militantsDigitalGlobeKobani, Syria, November 6, 2014: When dealing with a humanitarian crisis such as the events in Syria, it is important for global development organisations to receive information as quickly as possible. Current, high resolution satellite imagery can enable rapid assessments of displaced refugees, entry and exit points, food supply disruptions, and other effects of civil conflictDigitalGlobeKiev, Ukraine, February 24, 2014: Government organisations relied on satellite imagery of Ukraine to reveal the scale and nature of expanding protest movements in Kiev that began in 2013. Governments can gain insight into civil events by monitoring changes to the masses of people and tents, seeing where blockades have been placed, and other potential indicators of escalating violenceDigitalGlobeMount Sinabung, Indonesia, January 23, 2014: First responders rely on satellite imagery to monitor sensitive areas and determine evacuation plans. Smoke from volcanoes and fires can obscure the view that first responders need to assess a critical situation, but with DigitalGlobe's shortwave infrared technology, responders can see beyond what the human eye can detectDigitalGlobeFloods in Gunja, Croatia, May 21, 2014: Satellite imagery helped first responders and government agencies gain situational awareness in the rapidly changing areas affected by flooding. In addition to assisting emergency crews in rescue missions, before-and-after images help insurance companies assess the damages and plan for the recovery of the regionDigitalGlobeNordenskjold Basin, Antarctica, March 12, 2014: Having the highest quality earth observation data is fundamental for mitigating and managing receding glaciers, rising seas, and more extreme weather eventsDigitalGlobeSan Diego County, California, May 15, 2014: First responders handling wildfires use satellite imagery to quantify healthy and burned vegetation, locate active fire perimeters and hot spots, determine the number of acres burned and damage to various structures, and focus on fire mitigation as well as damage assessment activitiesDigitalGlobeWorld's largest tyre graveyard in Sulaibiya, Kuwait, June 4, 2014DigitalGlobe
