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	<title>Google Sightseeing &#187; Asia</title>
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	<link>http://googlesightseeing.com</link>
	<description>Why bother seeing the world for real?</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:42:08 +0000</lastBuildDate>
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		<title>Fuji Speedway</title>
		<link>http://googlesightseeing.com/2012/02/fuji-speedway/</link>
		<comments>http://googlesightseeing.com/2012/02/fuji-speedway/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:42:08 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kyle Kusch</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Japan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crowds]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stadiums and Sport]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Street Views]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://googlesightseeing.com/?p=25776</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[A monstrous racing circuit in the shadow of Mount Fuji, Fuji Speedway has played host to the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix, Le Mans prototypes, Super GTs, and now the Street View car and trike team!]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Back in the early 1960s, Japanese developers had an idea to hold American stock car-style races in the shadow of Mount Fuji.  While the initial vision of a banked oval never panned out, the racing circuit that became <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;ll=35.369018,138.938448&amp;spn=0.006159,0.011362&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;t=k&amp;z=17&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=35.368011,138.938245&amp;panoid=ba90dTOeK5jNbeoXDm-CmQ&amp;cbp=12,16.04,,0,-10.03" class="placemark">Fuji Speedway</a> has played host to the Japanese Grand Prix 13 times, as well as Le Mans prototypes, Super GTs, and now the Street View car and trike team!</p>

<p>Fuji has undergone numerous changes and rebuilds since its 1965 opening.  The <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;ll=35.37124,138.931174&amp;spn=0.024636,0.045447&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;t=k&amp;z=15" class="placemark">current course</a> has been in place since 2006 and measures 4.563 km (2.835 mi) in length, including the monstrous 1.5 km (0.9 mi) front straight.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;ll=35.37124,138.931174&amp;spn=0.024636,0.045447&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;t=k&amp;z=15"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/FUJ1-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="323" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-25777" /></a></p>

<p>The huge straight owes its existence to the original design of the circuit as a giant banked oval track.  Only one of the banked corners was ever built, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;ll=35.37683,138.937268&amp;spn=0.006159,0.011362&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;t=k&amp;z=17" class="placemark">but it is still readily visible today</a>.  Banked at 30 degrees on a downhill slope, the corner resulted in so many fatalities that it had to be abandoned in 1974 in favour of a new configuration.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;ll=35.37683,138.937268&amp;spn=0.006159,0.011362&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;t=k&amp;z=17"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/FUJ30-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-25778" /></a></p>

<p>On the opposite side of the circuit is <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;ll=35.368414,138.922001&amp;spn=0.006194,0.011362&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;t=k&amp;z=17&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=35.368292,138.921674&amp;panoid=1QmGLnVyIB--_L3lzKikwQ&amp;cbp=12,121.54,,0,15.47" class="placemark">30R</a>, the tight hairpin at the end of the straight that forces drivers to abruptly slow down from 310 km/h (193 mph).  As you can see, the hillside seating area is a bit more rustic than the main <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;ll=35.372739,138.928264&amp;spn=0.003097,0.005681&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;t=k&amp;z=18&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=35.372739,138.928264&amp;panoid=naAPIMXWlU3cedlibCWqMw&amp;cbp=12,9.95,,0,-6.54" class="placemark">grandstand seating area</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;ll=35.368414,138.922001&amp;spn=0.006194,0.011362&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;t=k&amp;z=17&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=35.368292,138.921674&amp;panoid=1QmGLnVyIB--_L3lzKikwQ&amp;cbp=12,121.54,,0,15.47"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/FUJhp-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-25781" /></a>  <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;ll=35.372739,138.928264&amp;spn=0.003097,0.005681&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;t=k&amp;z=18&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=35.372739,138.928264&amp;panoid=naAPIMXWlU3cedlibCWqMw&amp;cbp=12,9.95,,0,-6.54"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/FUJpit2-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-25788" /></a></p>

<p>Fuji gave up hosting the Japanese Grand Prix after 2008 (the race has returned to Suzuka, another track <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;q=34.843056,136.540556&amp;ll=34.842725,136.540875&amp;spn=0.012468,0.022724&amp;t=m&amp;z=16&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=34.842634,136.54098&amp;panoid=nbaR0IdHiUqGiaRDgboiQQ&amp;cbp=12,349.63,,1,-4.12" class="placemark">visited by Street View</a>), but there’s still plenty of racing going at the speedway.  In fact, Street View caught pieces of three different racing events during its visit.  Below we see <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;ll=35.372176,138.928524&amp;spn=0.006194,0.011362&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;t=k&amp;z=17&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=35.372365,138.928821&amp;panoid=5fuDpLr1MY2zqYlV69gyjQ&amp;cbp=12,166.56,,0,7.8" class="placemark">Super GT cars</a> being prepared for Friday practice both in the paddock and in the <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;ll=35.37316,138.928907&amp;spn=0.006194,0.011362&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;t=k&amp;z=17&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=35.37316,138.928907&amp;panoid=TkCZGMzQK7WWAkFG9KL4GQ&amp;cbp=12,198.66,,0,-0.42" class="placemark">pit lane</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;ll=35.372176,138.928524&amp;spn=0.006194,0.011362&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;t=k&amp;z=17&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=35.372365,138.928821&amp;panoid=5fuDpLr1MY2zqYlV69gyjQ&amp;cbp=12,166.56,,0,7.8"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/FUJcars-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="323" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-25780" /></a> <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;ll=35.37316,138.928907&amp;spn=0.006194,0.011362&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;t=k&amp;z=17&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=35.37316,138.928907&amp;panoid=TkCZGMzQK7WWAkFG9KL4GQ&amp;cbp=12,198.66,,0,-0.42"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/FUJpit1-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="323" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-25787" /></a></p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;ll=35.373165,138.927001&amp;spn=0.006194,0.011362&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;t=k&amp;z=17&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=35.373201,138.92716&amp;panoid=-ACnMaIzxdr6_nWDu18s5Q&amp;cbp=12,191.15,,1,2.12" class="placemark">Spectators</a> are already beginning to pour through the turnstiles and trickle <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;ll=35.373462,138.929372&amp;spn=0.006194,0.011362&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;t=k&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=35.373367,138.929222&amp;panoid=AippHv29p5ibIJK0FGVsRg&amp;cbp=12,305.59,,0,-9.87&amp;z=17" class="placemark">into the stands</a>, where they will undoubtedly be bombarded with all sorts of trackside advertising (in fact, they even get hit with it <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;ll=35.369158,138.921379&amp;spn=0.006194,0.011362&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;t=k&amp;z=17&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=35.369035,138.92119&amp;panoid=szk8wUavTgGoU2Rycb4whA&amp;cbp=12,64.14,,0,-7.14" class="placemark">on the road leading into the circuit</a>).</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;ll=35.373165,138.927001&amp;spn=0.006194,0.011362&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;t=k&amp;z=17&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=35.373201,138.92716&amp;panoid=-ACnMaIzxdr6_nWDu18s5Q&amp;cbp=12,191.15,,1,2.12"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/FUJc-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-25779" /></a> <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;ll=35.373462,138.929372&amp;spn=0.006194,0.011362&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;t=k&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=35.373367,138.929222&amp;panoid=AippHv29p5ibIJK0FGVsRg&amp;cbp=12,305.59,,0,-9.87&amp;z=17"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/FUJpit3-150x112-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="112" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25789" /></a></p>

<p>These race fans are early risers, as the <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;ll=35.371308,138.926362&amp;spn=0.003079,0.005681&amp;vpsrc=0&amp;t=k&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=35.371308,138.926362&amp;panoid=pDVpCsvWPgbXyZy47zi1pw&amp;cbp=12,254.97,,0,-19.12&amp;z=18" class="placemark">pit lane scoring pylon</a> shows us that it’s 7:24 in the morning. Forced perspective allows the pylon to dwarf Mount Fuji in the background.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;ll=35.371308,138.926362&amp;spn=0.003079,0.005681&amp;vpsrc=0&amp;t=k&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=35.371308,138.926362&amp;panoid=pDVpCsvWPgbXyZy47zi1pw&amp;cbp=12,254.97,,0,-19.12&amp;z=18"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/FUJpyl-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="323" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-25790" /></a></p>

<p>The main circuit isn’t the only hotbed of racing action at the speedway.  In the outer parking lot lie <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;ll=35.369333,138.933653&amp;spn=0.003097,0.005681&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;t=k&amp;z=18" class="placemark">two tracks</a> designed for <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;ll=35.369001,138.933027&amp;spn=0.003097,0.005681&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;t=k&amp;z=18&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=35.369001,138.933027&amp;panoid=WEfHmfdB6Kh7W265pSkb6w&amp;cbp=12,34.47,,1,-1.32" class="placemark">karting</a> and pocketbike racing.  The Street View car gets <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;ll=35.369075,138.932934&amp;spn=0.003097,0.005681&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;t=k&amp;z=18&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=35.368873,138.932707&amp;panoid=uBIwFcAte1K60yvSxUkfCw&amp;cbp=12,93.11,,1,3.31" class="placemark">right into the action</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;ll=35.369652,138.933808&amp;spn=0.003097,0.005681&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;t=k&amp;z=18&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=35.369823,138.933849&amp;panoid=x0lkKD9ie1QQBbnYUDzPuw&amp;cbp=12,107.36,,1,3.14" class="placemark">following the drivers</a> around both circuits.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;ll=35.369333,138.933653&amp;spn=0.003097,0.005681&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;t=k&amp;z=18"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/FUJkart-150x112-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="112" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25784" /></a> <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;ll=35.369001,138.933027&amp;spn=0.003097,0.005681&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;t=k&amp;z=18&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=35.369001,138.933027&amp;panoid=WEfHmfdB6Kh7W265pSkb6w&amp;cbp=12,34.47,,1,-1.32"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/FUJk1-150x112-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="112" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25782" /></a></p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;ll=35.369075,138.932934&amp;spn=0.003097,0.005681&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;t=k&amp;z=18&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=35.368873,138.932707&amp;panoid=uBIwFcAte1K60yvSxUkfCw&amp;cbp=12,93.11,,1,3.31"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/FUJk2-150x112-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="112" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25783" /></a> <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;ll=35.369652,138.933808&amp;spn=0.003097,0.005681&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;t=k&amp;z=18&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=35.369823,138.933849&amp;panoid=x0lkKD9ie1QQBbnYUDzPuw&amp;cbp=12,107.36,,1,3.14"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/FUJmb-150x112-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="112" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25785" /></a></p>

<p>As <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;ll=35.372369,138.928825&amp;spn=0.006194,0.011362&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;t=k&amp;z=17&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=35.372624,138.928807&amp;panoid=rzm0A-j0gih65oihfjFyHA&amp;cbp=12,45.42,,1,9.22" class="placemark">this motorsport fan</a> knows, racing happens every weekend at Fuji Speedway, but a visit from Street View is so momentous it’s worth a picture on its own!</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=25776&amp;c=&amp;ll=35.372369,138.928825&amp;spn=0.006194,0.011362&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;t=k&amp;z=17&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=35.372624,138.928807&amp;panoid=rzm0A-j0gih65oihfjFyHA&amp;cbp=12,45.42,,1,9.22"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/FUJpic-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-25786" /></a></p>
<p>    
    Locations: <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/asia/japan/" title="View all posts in Japan" rel="category tag">Japan</a> / Categories: <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/category/crowds/" rel="tag">Crowds</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/category/stadiums-and-sport/" rel="tag">Stadiums and Sport</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/category/street-views/" rel="tag">Street Views</a></p>
<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/gearth/fuji-speedway.kml" class="">View in Google Earth</a></p>	
	
<br />


<hr />

You're reading an entry from <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com">Google Sightseeing</a>, which is copyright &copy; 2012 Alex Turnbull &amp; James Turnbull and must not be reproduced without permission.]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Japan after the tsunami</title>
		<link>http://googlesightseeing.com/2011/12/japan-after-the-tsunami/</link>
		<comments>http://googlesightseeing.com/2011/12/japan-after-the-tsunami/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Dec 2011 23:35:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alex Turnbull</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Japan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Street Views]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://googlesightseeing.com/?p=20581</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[On the 11th March 2011, 70 kilometres off the east coast of Tōhoku, the most powerful earthquake in the country’s history struck Japan, triggering a powerful tsunami that swept inland up to 10 km, swamping some&#8230;]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>On the 11th March 2011, 70 kilometres off the east coast of Tōhoku, the most powerful earthquake in the country’s history struck Japan, triggering a powerful tsunami that swept inland up to 10 km, swamping some areas with waves over 40 metres high. The confirmed number of deaths stands at 15,841, with a further 3,485 people still missing over nine months later.<sup id="fnref:1"><a href="#fn:1" rel="footnote">1</a></sup></p>

<p>The earthquake was recorded as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moment_magnitude_scale">magnitude</a> 9, so powerful that Geophysicists <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/14/world/asia/14seismic.html?_r=1">have estimated</a> the main Japanese island of Honshu is now 2.4 metres wider that it was before, and that the Earth itself has shifted slightly on its axis.<sup id="fnref:4"><a href="#fn:4" rel="footnote">2</a></sup></p>

<p>In addition to the unbelievably tragic loss of life, the infrastructure of Japan was severely damaged, several <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=20581&amp;c=&amp;q=37.422972,141.032917&amp;ll=37.421413,141.033271&amp;spn=0.009637,0.014645&amp;t=w&amp;z=17&amp;vpsrc=6" class="placemark">nuclear reactors went into meltdown</a>, and over 125,000 buildings were damaged or completely destroyed.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=20581&amp;c=&amp;q=37.422972,141.032917&amp;ll=37.421413,141.033271&amp;spn=0.009637,0.014645&amp;t=w&amp;z=17&amp;vpsrc=6"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/powerplant-atrb.jpg" alt="" title="powerplant" width="482" height="323" class="alignnone size-full" /></a>
<cite>Failed reactors at the Fukushima I nuclear power plant</cite></p>

<p>In an effort to assist people during the crisis, Google almost immediately <a href="http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2011/03/post-earthquake-images-of-japan.html">launched</a> updated satellite imagery of northeastern Japan, followed by two <a href="http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2011/03/new-imagery-of-japan-after-earthquake.html">more</a> <a href="http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2011/04/imagery-update-japan-and-beyond.html">rounds</a> of additional high resolution imagery. These shocking pictures reveal an utterly destroyed landscape, with ships littering the landscape – having in some places come to rest <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=20581&amp;c=&amp;t=h&amp;key=ABQIAAAAtdvYAbw5lDwcjzRdYrS7TBTO5BBP3GUfoyJwQWx-SsXI8R3DaBTs3FvpYmRvznYvltbRJUplZDgShQ&amp;mapclient=jsapi&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;ll=39.353808,141.932493&amp;spn=0.002155,0.003136&amp;z=19" class="placemark">on top</a> of what few buildings remained standing.<sup id="fnref:3"><a href="#fn:3" rel="footnote">3</a></sup></p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=20581&amp;c=&amp;t=h&amp;key=ABQIAAAAtdvYAbw5lDwcjzRdYrS7TBTO5BBP3GUfoyJwQWx-SsXI8R3DaBTs3FvpYmRvznYvltbRJUplZDgShQ&amp;mapclient=jsapi&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;ll=39.353808,141.932493&amp;spn=0.002155,0.003136&amp;z=19"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/ship-atrb.jpg" alt="" title="ship on a roof" width="482" height="323" class="alignnone size-full" /></a>
<cite>Ship on a roof, Akahama district, Otsuchi</cite></p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=20581&amp;c=&amp;ll=38.413879,141.247444&amp;spn=0.004754,0.007322&amp;t=w&amp;key=ABQIAAAAtdvYAbw5lDwcjzRdYrS7TBTO5BBP3GUfoyJwQWx-SsXI8R3DaBTs3FvpYmRvznYvltbRJUplZDgShQ&amp;mapclient=jsapi&amp;z=18&amp;vpsrc=6"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/maru-atrb.jpg" alt="" title="ship on a pier" width="482" height="323" class="alignnone size-full" /></a>
<cite>In Higashimatsushima, the 45 metre <em>Chōkai Maru</em> was lifted over a pier and left aground</cite></p>

<p>Elsewhere trains can be seen with their carriages piled up, having been completely swept from their tracks.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=20581&amp;c=&amp;ll=37.88119,140.926228&amp;spn=0.002466,0.00571&amp;t=k&amp;key=ABQIAAAAtdvYAbw5lDwcjzRdYrS7TBTO5BBP3GUfoyJwQWx-SsXI8R3DaBTs3FvpYmRvznYvltbRJUplZDgShQ&amp;mapclient=jsapi&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;z=19&amp;layer=t"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/trains-atrb.jpg" alt="" title="trains" width="482" height="323" class="alignnone size-full" /></a></p>

<p>In July Google <a href="http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2011/07/using-street-view-to-digitally-archive.html">announced their intention</a> to capture the scope of the destruction through a new initiative to create an interactive digital archive of the area, using Street View. Since then the Street View cars have driven 44,000 kilometres recording high-resolution images, and the new imagery has <a href="http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2011/12/experience-tsunami-affected-areas-of.html">just been launched</a>, alongside a new website called “<a href="http://www.miraikioku.com/streetview/en/">Memories for the future</a>“.<sup id="fnref:2"><a href="#fn:2" rel="footnote">4</a></sup></p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=20581&amp;c=&amp;t=h&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=38.675117,141.450322&amp;z=13&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=38.675117,141.450322&amp;cbp=1,278.5685229911751,,0,4.149860659544824"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Minamisanriku-atrb.jpg" alt="" title="Minamisanriku" width="482" height="323" class="alignnone size-full" /></a>
<cite>Minamisanriku, August 2011</cite></p>

<p>The website allows users to switch between before and after views of a wide range of affected locations in northeastern Japan. This unique project allows us to see exactly what kind of impact the tsunami has had on the landscape and its people.</p>

<p><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&amp;ll=38.677307,141.448887&amp;spn=0.009724,0.022842&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=38.677307,141.448887&amp;panoid=IGsSY5uButB0hXZSqx_Uew&amp;cbp=12,148.7,,0,2.25&amp;t=h&amp;z=17&amp;vpsrc=1&amp;noredirect=1"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/before-a1-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" title="before-a" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-26017" /></a>
<cite>Minamisanriku, July 2008</cite></p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=20581&amp;c=&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=38.677344,141.448854&amp;spn=0.009724,0.022842&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=38.677344,141.448854&amp;panoid=7KlZWTF8ZzQYRvem6x7UaQ&amp;cbp=12,148.74,,0,1.07&amp;t=h&amp;z=17&amp;vpsrc=1"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/after-a2-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" title="after-a" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-26019" /></a>
<cite>Minamisanriku, August 2011</cite></p>

<p>The transformation is truly shocking. It’s unclear from the images exactly how much work has gone into removing debris, but it is clear that whole communities have been totally erased.</p>

<p><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&amp;ll=38.414723,141.24367&amp;spn=0.00976,0.022842&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=38.414723,141.24367&amp;panoid=hhvb7msgvxHIt6felZ4CNA&amp;cbp=12,43.15,,0,1.95&amp;t=h&amp;z=17&amp;vpsrc=1&amp;noredirect=1"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/before-4-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" title="before-4" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-26018" /></a>
<cite>Higashimatsushima, July 2008</cite></p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=20581&amp;c=&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=38.414723,141.24367&amp;spn=0.00976,0.022842&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=38.414723,141.24367&amp;panoid=b-pf71IM1ON2rmRNDCbAgw&amp;cbp=12,51.48,,0,1.78&amp;t=h&amp;z=17&amp;vpsrc=1"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/after-4-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" title="after-4" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-26020" /></a>
<cite>Higashimatsushima, July 2011</cite></p>

<p>As Keir Clarke at <a href="http://googlemapsmania.blogspot.com/2011/12/japan-street-view-after-earthquake.html?spref=tw">Google Maps Mania</a> said:</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Let’s hope that in a couple of years Google can update the Street View imagery again to show these towns and communities rebuilt and thriving again.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Wikipedia has all the details of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2011_Tōhoku_earthquake_and_tsunami">2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami</a>.</p>

<div class="footnotes">
<hr /><ol><li id="fn:1">
<p>Source: <a href="http://www.npa.go.jp/archive/keibi/biki/higaijokyo_e.pdf">Damage Situation and Police Countermeasures associated with 2011 Tohoku district – off the Pacific Ocean Earthquake</a>” (PDF, 6.9KB) <a href="#fnref:1" rev="footnote">↩</a></p>
</li>

<li id="fn:4">
<p>The tsunami continued on to Antarctica and struck the Sulzberger Ice Shelf, where the <a href="http://www.gearthblog.com/blog/archives/2011/08/the_japanese_tsunami_created_some_m.html">Google Earth Blog</a> reports that the force of the wave broke off two massive chunks of ice with a combined area of 125 square kilometres – or more than twice the size of New York’s Manhattan Island. <a href="#fnref:4" rev="footnote">↩</a></p>
</li>

<li id="fn:3">
<p>Here’s the <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=20581&amp;c=&amp;t=h&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=39.353808,141.932493&amp;z=18&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=39.353643,141.932549&amp;cbp=12,-13.972999035679845,,1,-2.820636451301832" class="placemark">same building as seen by Street View in October</a> – the ship has been removed, but the building itself is a ruin. <a href="#fnref:3" rev="footnote">↩</a></p>
</li>

<li id="fn:2">
<p>In addition to the new imagery and website, Google have added an oft-requested feature – all Street View seen on Google Maps now shows a timestamp in the bottom right hand corner, allowing anyone to see in which month and year a Street View image was taken. <a href="#fnref:2" rev="footnote">↩</a></p>
</li>

</ol></div>
<p>    
    Locations: <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/asia/japan/" title="View all posts in Japan" rel="category tag">Japan</a> / Categories: <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/category/street-views/" rel="tag">Street Views</a></p>
<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/gearth/japan-after-the-tsunami.kml" class="">View in Google Earth</a></p>	
	
<br />


<hr />

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		<title>Planes on Google Maps, October 2011</title>
		<link>http://googlesightseeing.com/2011/10/planes-on-google-maps-october-2011/</link>
		<comments>http://googlesightseeing.com/2011/10/planes-on-google-maps-october-2011/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:26:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ian Brown</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Arkansas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[California]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[England]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Georgia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kenya]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kyrgyzstan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Manitoba]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ontario]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Abandoned]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aircraft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Movie Locations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shadows]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://googlesightseeing.com/?p=24848</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[One of the most common subjects that readers post through our suggestion form is planes – whether in flight, parked at airports, or in pieces at crash sites. Here is a collection of some of the&#8230;]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>One of the most common subjects that readers post through <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/suggest/">our suggestion form</a> is planes – whether in flight, parked at airports, or in pieces at crash sites. Here is a collection of some of the more interesting finds from the past few years. First up, the curious sight of a <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24848&amp;c=&amp;q=51.475456,-0.422271&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;ll=51.475456,-0.421898&amp;spn=0.000931,0.002747&amp;t=h&amp;z=19" class="placemark">Concorde</a> at a remote edge of Heathrow Airport.</p>

<p>Reader Dave Schubert identifies the plane as being in an engine test stand. According to Google Earth’s historical imagery feature this image was taken on the 27th of June 2010, which is interesting as Concorde was retired in 2003 – so it’s perhaps a little strange that they would be testing the engines.</p>

<p>Next, to Canada’s busiest airport, Toronto Pearson. However, we’re looking at a very American icon – the <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24848&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=43.693832,-79.652662&amp;z=19" class="placemark">Blue Angels aerobatic team</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24848&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=43.693832,-79.652662&amp;z=19"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24863" src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/mp1-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="323" /></a></p>

<p>More formally known as the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, these planes were spotted by Kevin Hodgson. The six F/A-18 Hornets are seen parked near to a seventh plane, a <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24848&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=43.693961,-79.651618&amp;z=20" class="placemark">two-seater F/A-18B</a> that can be used as a backup plane if necessary. We can also see the <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24848&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=43.693308,-79.652256&amp;z=20" class="placemark">C-130T Hercules nicknamed Fat Albert</a>, which carries support personnel, spare parts and technical equipment.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24848&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=43.693961,-79.651618&amp;z=20"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-24864" src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/mp3-150x112-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="112" /></a> <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24848&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=43.693308,-79.652256&amp;z=20"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-24865" src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/mp4-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" /></a></p>

<p>You can read more about the Blue Angels at their <a href="http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/">official site</a>, and at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_angels">Wikipedia</a>.</p>

<p>Given the recent situation in Libya, it may be a good thing that eight <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24848&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=33.903891,-84.51337&amp;z=19" class="placemark">C-130 Hercules</a> that were ordered by the Gaddafi regime are stuck in the southern US state of Georgia.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24848&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=33.903891,-84.51337&amp;z=19"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24866" src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/mp5-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="323" /></a></p>

<p>The <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24848&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=33.900277,-84.516546&amp;z=19" class="placemark">desert-camouflaged planes</a> were ordered and built at this Lockheed plant at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in the early 1970s. However before they could be delivered, the US imposed sanctions on Libya.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24848&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=33.900277,-84.516546&amp;z=19"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24870" src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/mp6-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="323" /></a></p>

<p>Because they are technically the property of the Libyan government, the planes cannot be moved, so they sit on flat tires, surrounded by weeds in the distant reaches of the base. Thanks to Cafe de Unie, SecretAgent Man and Jonathan Peterson for sending this one in.</p>

<p>Unused planes can be a problem for any airport, though at Hot Springs in Arkansas they park them a little more <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24848&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=34.473499,-93.091394&amp;z=19" class="placemark">neatly and efficiently</a> than they do at <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24848&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=43.051999,74.481522&amp;z=18" class="placemark">Manas Airport</a> in Kyrgyzstan or <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24848&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=-1.319873,36.817159&amp;z=19" class="placemark">Wilson Airport</a> in Kenya. Thanks to ‘Me’, nga and Bryan Johnson for these.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24848&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=34.473499,-93.091394&amp;z=19"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-24871" src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/mp7-150x112-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="112" /></a> <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24848&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=43.051999,74.481522&amp;z=18"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-24872" src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/mp8-150x112-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="112" /></a> <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24848&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=-1.319873,36.817159&amp;z=19"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-24873" src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/mp9-150x112-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="112" /></a></p>

<p>Moving on to crashed planes (nervous flyers should probably stop reading at this point!), we start with a couple of real downed planes. <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24848&amp;c=&amp;t=h&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=58.760409,-94.086448&amp;z=19" class="placemark">This Curtis C-46F Commando</a> crashed in November 1979, shortly after taking off from Churchill in northern Canada.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24848&amp;c=&amp;t=h&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=58.760409,-94.086448&amp;z=19"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24881" src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/mp10-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="323" /></a></p>

<p>It was reported to us by Lindsay Marshall, and <a href="http://origin-www.airliners.net/photo/Lambair/Lambair/1326497">airliners.net</a> has some good pictures. Apparently the inside has been setup with a picnic table, and is a local tourist attraction.</p>

<p>Just a few months ago, two people unfortunately lost their lives when their <a href="http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/2-dead-after-Del-based-plane-crashes-in-Wis-lake-1584075.php#next">small plane crashed</a> into Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin. New satellite imagery just happened to capture <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24848&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=43.891614,-88.457267&amp;z=20" class="placemark">a crane recovering the wreckage</a>. Thanks to milwhcky for reporting this one via <a href="http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/fatal-plane-crash-recovery/">Virtual Globetrotting</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24848&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=43.891614,-88.457267&amp;z=20"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24882" src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/mp11-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="323" /></a></p>

<p>Hollywood is fond of creating its own plane crashes, and the <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24848&amp;c=&amp;t=h&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=34.135969,-118.347181&amp;z=20" class="placemark">set from 2005′s <em>War of the Worlds</em></a> is now part of Universal Studio’s tour, as shown in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_8oWKL-pIo">this YouTube video</a>. Thanks to Anthony Moore for the suggestion.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24848&amp;c=&amp;t=h&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=34.135969,-118.347181&amp;z=20"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24892" src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/mp12-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="323" /></a></p>

<p>The studio spent $2million to bring an unused 747 to the lot, carefully broke it apart and then built the houses affected by the crash in the movie. Google’s 45-degree imagery allows us to see the set from different perspectives, including <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&amp;ll=34.136008,-118.347492&amp;spn=0.000568,0.000524&amp;t=h&amp;deg=270&amp;z=21&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;noredirect=1">engines lying next to a house</a>, seats in the <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&amp;ll=34.135794,-118.34721&amp;spn=0.000434,0.000687&amp;t=h&amp;deg=180&amp;z=21&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;noredirect=1">ripped apart cabin</a>, and the <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&amp;ll=34.135427,-118.34746&amp;spn=0.000568,0.000524&amp;t=h&amp;deg=90&amp;z=21&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;noredirect=1">charred tail section</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&amp;ll=34.136008,-118.347492&amp;spn=0.000568,0.000524&amp;t=h&amp;deg=270&amp;z=21&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;noredirect=1"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-24893" src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/mp13-150x112-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="112" /></a> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&amp;ll=34.135794,-118.34721&amp;spn=0.000434,0.000687&amp;t=h&amp;deg=180&amp;z=21&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;noredirect=1"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-24894" src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/mp14-150x112-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="112" /></a> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&amp;ll=34.135427,-118.34746&amp;spn=0.000568,0.000524&amp;t=h&amp;deg=90&amp;z=21&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;noredirect=1"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-24895" src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/mp15-150x112-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="112" /></a></p>

<p>Another <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24848&amp;c=&amp;t=h&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=37.79074,-122.322765&amp;z=20" class="placemark">apparently horrific plane crash</a> was spotted by Bryan Johnson at the former Alameda Naval Air Station near San Francisco.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24848&amp;c=&amp;t=h&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=37.79074,-122.322765&amp;z=20"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24896" src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/mp16-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="323" /></a></p>

<p>Some of the 45-degree imagery was apparently taken on a different day, and reveals <a href="http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=37.790998,-122.32299&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;ll=37.790792,-122.322807&amp;spn=0.001085,0.001049&amp;gl=ca&amp;t=h&amp;deg=270&amp;z=20&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;noredirect=1">crowds of people and emergency vehicles</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://maps.google.ca/maps?q=37.790998,-122.32299&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;ll=37.790792,-122.322807&amp;spn=0.001085,0.001049&amp;gl=ca&amp;t=h&amp;deg=270&amp;z=20&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;noredirect=1"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24897" src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/mp17-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="323" /></a></p>

<p>However, we can also see lots of technical equipment, including a camera crane, so it’s clear that this isn’t a real crash, and <a href="http://www.geek.com/articles/geek-cetera/the-truth-behind-this-google-maps-plane-crash-2011034/">Geek.com reveals</a> that it is, in fact, a set for the TV show <em>Trauma</em>.</p>

<p>We had <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/2005/04/naval-air-station-at-alameda-ca/">previously featured Alameda</a> for its role in a Matrix film, though personally I’m hoping that someday we’ll see images of the <a href="http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/mythbusters/">Mythbusters</a> team who film regularly at this location.</p>

<p>Thanks to everyone who contributed to this post. Please use the <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/suggest/">suggestion form</a> if you know if interesting locations that you think we should feature.</p>
<p>    
    Locations: <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/north-america/states/arkansas/" title="View all posts in Arkansas" rel="category tag">Arkansas</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/north-america/states/california/" title="View all posts in California" rel="category tag">California</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/europe/united-kingdom/england/" title="View all posts in England" rel="category tag">England</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/north-america/states/georgia/" title="View all posts in Georgia" rel="category tag">Georgia</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/africa/kenya/" title="View all posts in Kenya" rel="category tag">Kenya</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/asia/kyrgyzstan/" title="View all posts in Kyrgyzstan" rel="category tag">Kyrgyzstan</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/north-america/canada/manitoba/" title="View all posts in Manitoba" rel="category tag">Manitoba</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/north-america/canada/ontario/" title="View all posts in Ontario" rel="category tag">Ontario</a> / Categories: <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/category/abandoned/" rel="tag">Abandoned</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/category/aircraft/" rel="tag">Aircraft</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/category/movie-locations/" rel="tag">Movie Locations</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/category/shadows/" rel="tag">Shadows</a></p>
<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/gearth/planes-on-google-maps-october-2011.kml" class="">View in Google Earth</a></p>	
	
<br />


<hr />

You're reading an entry from <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com">Google Sightseeing</a>, which is copyright &copy; 2012 Alex Turnbull &amp; James Turnbull and must not be reproduced without permission.]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Naypyidaw, An Unconventional Capital</title>
		<link>http://googlesightseeing.com/2011/10/naypyidaw-an-unconventional-capital/</link>
		<comments>http://googlesightseeing.com/2011/10/naypyidaw-an-unconventional-capital/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:59:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Kyle Kusch</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Burma]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Buildings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Monuments]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stadiums and Sport]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Structures]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://googlesightseeing.com/?p=24609</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In 2005, the military government of Burma (Myanmar) made one of its most curious moves yet when it gave its ministerial officials less than a day’s notice that they were to pack up and move to a new capital almost 400 km north of the old capital, Rangoon, under threat of arrest or imprisonment. The government had secretly been constructing a capital in the middle of the nowhere called Naypyidaw; a way for the government to escape the congestion and chaos of Rangoon in a purpose-built capital in which everything would be under their control.  Naypyidaw covers a sprawling 4,800 km2 – that’s 78 times the size of Manhattan!]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The country of Burma, or Myanmar, isn’t exactly known for its openness.  It’s a land dominated by a brutal, secretive, and eccentric military government.  In 2005, the government made one of its most curious moves yet when, on 6th November at precisely 6:37 am, it gave its ministerial officials less than a day’s notice that they were to pack up and move to a new capital almost 400 km north of the old capital, Rangoon, under threat of arrest or imprisonment. Five days later, on the 11th day of the 11th month, at 11 am, 1,100 military trucks carrying 11 battalions and 11 government ministries left for the new capital.</p>

<p>It turns out that for some time the government had secretly been constructing a capital in the middle of the nowhere called <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.763473,96.146851&amp;spn=0.454924,0.727158&amp;t=k&amp;z=11&amp;vpsrc=6" class="placemark">Naypyidaw</a> (“abode of kings”); a way for the government to escape the congestion and chaos of Rangoon and have a purpose-built capital in which everything would be under their control.  Naypyidaw covers a sprawling 4,800 km2 (1,853 sq. mi.) – that’s 78 times the size of Manhattan!  It’s spread out like that on purpose in order to keep government officials, labourers, and civilians separated from each other.  Walking anywhere conveniently is deliberately impossible.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.763473,96.146851&amp;spn=0.454924,0.727158&amp;t=k&amp;z=11&amp;vpsrc=6"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/NAY1-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="323" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24610" /></a></p>

<p>At the centre of Naypyidaw is the huge <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.774902,96.103334&amp;spn=0.028431,0.061798&amp;t=k&amp;z=15&amp;vpsrc=6" class="placemark">government complex</a>,which houses the legislature (Pyidaungsu Hluttaw), the 100-room presidential palace, and the city hall among its 31 different buildings.  All are built in a Stalinist style but with Burmese-style roofs.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.774902,96.103334&amp;spn=0.028431,0.061798&amp;t=k&amp;z=15&amp;vpsrc=6"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/NAYpar-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="323" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24619" /></a></p>

<p>Going north from the government complex, the various <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.806055,96.127346&amp;spn=0.014213,0.030899&amp;t=k&amp;z=16&amp;vpsrc=6" class="placemark">ministry buildings</a> are strung out along a distance of 13 km (8 miles).  Each building sits on its own private acreage, and is powered by electricity generated in its own private reservoir.  Naypyidaw is the only city in the country with continuous 24-hour electricity.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.806055,96.127346&amp;spn=0.014213,0.030899&amp;t=k&amp;z=16&amp;vpsrc=6"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/NAYmin-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="323" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24617" /></a></p>

<p>Housing for workers is carefully assigned according to ministry, rank, and marital status.  Government employees live in <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.76004,96.058488&amp;spn=0.014217,0.030899&amp;t=k&amp;z=16&amp;vpsrc=6" class="placemark">four-story colour-coded apartment complexes</a>.  Fox example, blue apartments are for Ministry of Health employees and green for Agriculture employees.  The lower down the totem pole a worker is, the more crowded the neighbourhood gets, such as the oppressive grid formation of <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.871109,96.185646&amp;spn=0.028414,0.061798&amp;t=k&amp;z=15&amp;vpsrc=6" class="placemark">Pobba Thiri</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.76004,96.058488&amp;spn=0.014217,0.030899&amp;t=k&amp;z=16&amp;vpsrc=6"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/NAYhou-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-24616" /></a> <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.871109,96.185646&amp;spn=0.028414,0.061798&amp;t=k&amp;z=15&amp;vpsrc=6"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/NAYpt-150x112-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="112" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-24621" /></a></p>

<p>Along with government buildings and housing, the government has spent a large amount of money on civic amenities, museums, sculptures, shopping centres, and ceremonial facilities, such as this large <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.766774,96.073047&amp;spn=0.007108,0.01545&amp;t=k&amp;z=17&amp;vpsrc=6" class="placemark">stadium</a> under construction, and a massive shopping mall located across the expressway from the new national <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.803209,96.286626&amp;spn=0.028426,0.061798&amp;t=k&amp;z=15&amp;vpsrc=6" class="placemark">parade ground</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.766774,96.073047&amp;spn=0.007108,0.01545&amp;t=k&amp;z=17&amp;vpsrc=6"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/NAYsta-150x112-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="112" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-24624" /></a> <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.803209,96.286626&amp;spn=0.028426,0.061798&amp;t=k&amp;z=15&amp;vpsrc=6"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/NAYpde-150x112-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="112" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-24620" /></a></p>

<p>One of the most ornate buildings in the new capital is the <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.771096,96.183039&amp;spn=0.007108,0.01545&amp;t=k&amp;z=17&amp;vpsrc=6" class="placemark">Uppatasanti Pagoda</a>, completed in 2009.  It rises 99 m (325 feet) above the surrounding grassland.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.771096,96.183039&amp;spn=0.007108,0.01545&amp;t=k&amp;z=17&amp;vpsrc=6"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/NAYpag-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="323" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24618" /></a></p>

<p>30 km (19 mi) from the centre Naypyidaw – but still within the city – are the Naypyidaw Zoo, the Naypyidaw Safari Park, and the sprawling <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.874903,96.273708&amp;spn=0.056826,0.123596&amp;t=k&amp;z=14&amp;vpsrc=6" class="placemark">Naypyidaw Botanical Gardens</a>, all along the shores of yet another of the city’s many reservoirs.  If the botanical gardens seem from above as though they’re irregularly shaped, that’s because they’re designed as a scaled-down model of the <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.145168,96.855469&amp;spn=56.674141,93.076172&amp;t=m&amp;z=4&amp;vpsrc=6" class="placemark">shape of the entire country</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.874903,96.273708&amp;spn=0.056826,0.123596&amp;t=k&amp;z=14&amp;vpsrc=6"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/NAYbot-150x112-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="112" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-24611" /></a> <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.145168,96.855469&amp;spn=56.674141,93.076172&amp;t=m&amp;z=4&amp;vpsrc=6"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/NAYbot1-150x112-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="112" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-24612" /></a></p>

<p>If a lot of these facilities seem as though they’re designed to attract tourists to the new city, that’s because they are – to a degree.  For example, almost all accommodation in the Naypyidaw is restricted to the city’s <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.70694,96.118205&amp;spn=0.014221,0.030899&amp;t=k&amp;z=16&amp;vpsrc=6" class="placemark">hotel zone</a>, a string of <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.693718,96.130189&amp;spn=0.007111,0.01545&amp;t=k&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;z=17" class="placemark">rather ornate hotels</a> at the southern gateway to the city located along a massive expressway that still manages to have almost no traffic along it; a common theme throughout the city.  One expressway connecting the parade ground to the city market is <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.793341,96.239854&amp;spn=0.003579,0.005681&amp;sll=37.0625,-95.677068&amp;sspn=48.956293,93.076172&amp;vpsrc=0&amp;t=h&amp;z=18" class="placemark">twenty lanes wide</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.70694,96.118205&amp;spn=0.014221,0.030899&amp;t=k&amp;z=16&amp;vpsrc=6"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/NAYhot1-150x112-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="112" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-24614" /></a> <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.693718,96.130189&amp;spn=0.007111,0.01545&amp;t=k&amp;vpsrc=6&amp;z=17"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/NAYhot2-150x112-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="112" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-24615" /></a> <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.793341,96.239854&amp;spn=0.003579,0.005681&amp;sll=37.0625,-95.677068&amp;sspn=48.956293,93.076172&amp;vpsrc=0&amp;t=h&amp;z=18"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/NAYexp-150x112-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="112" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-24613" /></a></p>

<p>Tourists and workers alike are completely restricted from the mountain area beyond the botanical gardens, where the country’s top military personnel live in blocks of <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.860817,96.304822&amp;spn=0.028415,0.061798&amp;t=k&amp;z=15&amp;vpsrc=6" class="placemark">purpose-built mansions</a>.  And nothing tops the palace of the recently retired dictator, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.857507,96.323168&amp;spn=0.007104,0.01545&amp;t=k&amp;z=17&amp;vpsrc=6" class="placemark">Than Shwe</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.860817,96.304822&amp;spn=0.028415,0.061798&amp;t=k&amp;z=15&amp;vpsrc=6"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/NAYvg-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-24626" /></a> <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.857507,96.323168&amp;spn=0.007104,0.01545&amp;t=k&amp;z=17&amp;vpsrc=6"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/NAYshwe-150x112-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="112" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-24622" /></a></p>

<p>Despite the massive amount of money poured into Naypyidaw, most of its people remain in slums; Old villages surrounded by the buildings and highways of the city.  For example, the headquarters of the pro-military <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.669281,96.123762&amp;spn=0.014225,0.030899&amp;t=k&amp;z=16&amp;vpsrc=6" class="placemark">Union Solidarity and Development Party</a> sit across another empty expressway from a rather crowded <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.669496,96.128585&amp;spn=0.001778,0.003862&amp;t=k&amp;z=19&amp;vpsrc=6" class="placemark">traditional village</a>.  Just one of the many surreal scenes in a surreal place.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.669281,96.123762&amp;spn=0.014225,0.030899&amp;t=k&amp;z=16&amp;vpsrc=6"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/NAYusdp-150x112-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="112" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-24625" /></a> <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24609&amp;c=&amp;ll=19.669496,96.128585&amp;spn=0.001778,0.003862&amp;t=k&amp;z=19&amp;vpsrc=6"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/NAYslum-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-24623" /></a></p>
<p>    
    Locations: <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/asia/burma/" title="View all posts in Burma" rel="category tag">Burma</a> / Categories: <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/category/buildings/" rel="tag">Buildings</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/category/monuments/" rel="tag">Monuments</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/category/stadiums-and-sport/" rel="tag">Stadiums and Sport</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/category/structures/" rel="tag">Structures</a></p>
<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/gearth/naypyidaw-an-unconventional-capital.kml" class="">View in Google Earth</a></p>	
	
<br />


<hr />

You're reading an entry from <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com">Google Sightseeing</a>, which is copyright &copy; 2012 Alex Turnbull &amp; James Turnbull and must not be reproduced without permission.]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>The best of Google Maps: Circles, Paintings, and Rude Messages</title>
		<link>http://googlesightseeing.com/2011/09/the-best-of-google-maps-circles-paintings-and-rude-messages/</link>
		<comments>http://googlesightseeing.com/2011/09/the-best-of-google-maps-circles-paintings-and-rude-messages/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:24:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Chris Hannigan</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Alberta]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Arizona]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[California]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[India]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mexico]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Morocco]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Jersey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[New Zealand]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Texas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United Kingdom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crop Circles]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Large Type]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Movie Locations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stadiums and Sport]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Weirdness]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://googlesightseeing.com/?p=19363</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It’s often the simplest things that get the biggest laugh around here, and when we open the GSS suggestion box it’s easy to get overwhelmed with small zingers that get a nice chuckle. So that’s just&#8230;]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It’s often the simplest things that get the biggest laugh around here, and when we open the GSS suggestion box it’s easy to get overwhelmed with small zingers that get a nice chuckle. So that’s just what we did for another episode of <strong>The best of Google Maps</strong>.</p>

<h2>Rude messages</h2>

<p>Not everything can make the cut obviously, but things like this painting of a <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=19363&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=33.302746,-111.842393&amp;z=21" class="placemark">naked woman</a> on top of this building near Phoenix, AZ are certainly eye-catching. Thanks to GSS reader prmckinney for sending it in.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=19363&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=33.302746,-111.842393&amp;z=21"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/circles17-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-24519" /></a></p>

<p>Henry sent us a <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=19363&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=-37.780757,175.242156&amp;z=21" class="placemark">friendly message</a> in New Zealand that, well, gets directly to the point.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=19363&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=-37.780757,175.242156&amp;z=21"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/circles09-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-24522" /></a></p>

<p>Or you could be like this guy near Austin, Texas who loves to <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=19363&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=30.441696,-97.771662&amp;z=19" class="placemark">express his satisfaction</a> with American president Barack Obama! Make sure you notice the detail of the middle finger! Thanks to Chris S.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=19363&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=30.441696,-97.771662&amp;z=19"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/circles07-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-24520" /></a></p>

<h2>Lookalikes</h2>

<p>At times just the strange artefacts of Google Maps itself are amusing! Take a look at this rather <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=19363&amp;c=&amp;t=h&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=54.975653,-1.622913&amp;z=17" class="placemark">unfortunately shaped road</a> near the Newcastle FC stadium sent to us by Chris. On the more natural side, Pamela sent us <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=19363&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=54.326109,-110.694809&amp;z=12" class="placemark">this lake</a> in Alberta, Canada that looks, well, pretty much exactly like a rat.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=19363&amp;c=&amp;t=h&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=54.975653,-1.622913&amp;z=17"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/circles14-150x112-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="112" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-24527" /></a>
<a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=19363&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=54.326109,-110.694809&amp;z=12"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/circles15-150x112-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="112" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-24528" /></a></p>

<h2>Signposts for the sky</h2>

<p>Rooftops can be an easy target for “on-the-fly” messaging. Marc sent us a link to a huge “Amazing Race” <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=19363&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=33.954747,-118.379511&amp;z=19" class="placemark">finish line painting</a> on the final approach path to LAX. The wildly popular American reality show has used Los Angeles as the finish line before, but it does seem odd that they actually put a channel and time on it. Maybe it’s just a huge billboard instead?</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=19363&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=33.954747,-118.379511&amp;z=19"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/circles11-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-24524" /></a></p>

<p>Quetzal sent us the <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=19363&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=25.622969,-102.883833&amp;z=18" class="placemark">letter Z</a> carved into the desert next to a highway in Coahuila, México, which is apparently the sign of a notorious Mexican Drug Cartel. On a lighter note, Dawn sent us a link to this <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=19363&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=40.638244,-75.188024&amp;z=18" class="placemark">extravagant field maze</a> that takes the shape of a steam locomotive!</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=19363&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=25.622969,-102.883833&amp;z=18"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/circles08-150x112-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="112" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-24521" /></a>
<a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=19363&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=40.638244,-75.188024&amp;z=18"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/circles13-150x112-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="112" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-24526" /></a></p>

<h2>Mystery circles</h2>

<p>Sometimes the most interesting things we see on the ground however are circles. You have the obvious <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/?s=crop+circles">crop circles</a> around the world, but then there are perhaps stranger things out there. For example, any ideas what this <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=19363&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=27.98822,-12.418132&amp;z=19" class="placemark">little circle</a> in the desert sent to us by Mastboy could be?</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=19363&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=27.98822,-12.418132&amp;z=19"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/circles10-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-24523" /></a></p>

<p>Or perhaps <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=19363&amp;c=&amp;t=h&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=52.84198,0.243281&amp;z=16" class="placemark">this circle</a> off the coast of the United Kingdom? Maybe it could be a beacon of some kind? Thanks to scotty for the link!</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=19363&amp;c=&amp;t=h&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=52.84198,0.243281&amp;z=16"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/circles12-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-24525" /></a></p>

<p>In a more mysterious entry, a series of strange <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=19363&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=19.344163,73.727252&amp;z=18" class="placemark">circular features</a> have been sent to us from deep in the forests of Maharashtra in India. They’re remote, they’re large, and no one seems to really know where they came from!</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=19363&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=19.344163,73.727252&amp;z=18"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/circles011-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-19364" /></a></p>

<p>The four circles appear to be man-made due to the perfect circular shape and similar size, but no obvious pattern or purpose can be seen. One of the most popular theories are the circles are some sort of ancient water reservoirs, but one could argue how much water needs to be collected in the middle of a monsoon-ridden country!</p>

<p><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/circles061.jpg" /></p>

<p>Some more <em>imaginative</em> people think that ancient aliens visited and made the circles, but they aren’t really a patch on traditional crop circles though.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=19363&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=19.335493,73.717291&amp;z=18"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/circles021-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-19366" /></a></p>

<p>Even the local villagers in <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=19363&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=19.356538,73.716491&amp;z=17" class="placemark">Kumbhale</a> aren’t sure where the circles came from, even though one of them is practically on their doorstep.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=19363&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=19.356538,73.716491&amp;z=17"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/circles051-atrb.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=19363&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=19.35583,73.720182&amp;z=18"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/circles031-atrb.jpg" /></a></p>

<p>Another theory suggests that the circles are “strikingly” similar to meteorite impacts, but the rims of these circles do not appear to share the same crowning effect that occurs near other true craters – and there haven’t been any meteorite fragments found here (although this could perhaps be due to erosion from the monsoons we mentioned).</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=19363&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=19.363725,73.713048&amp;z=18"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/circles041-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-19368" /></a></p>

<p>For some discussion on the circles, including ground level photos, check out <a href="http://www.bcmtouring.com/forum/travelogues-west-india-f62/aliens-meteorites-you-guess-t24856/">this link</a>. What do you think they are? Thanks to Sandesh for sending in this intriguing suggestion.</p>
<p>    
    Locations: <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/north-america/canada/alberta/" title="View all posts in Alberta" rel="category tag">Alberta</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/north-america/states/arizona/" title="View all posts in Arizona" rel="category tag">Arizona</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/north-america/states/california/" title="View all posts in California" rel="category tag">California</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/asia/india/" title="View all posts in India" rel="category tag">India</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/north-america/mexico/" title="View all posts in Mexico" rel="category tag">Mexico</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/africa/morocco/" title="View all posts in Morocco" rel="category tag">Morocco</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/north-america/states/newjersey/" title="View all posts in New Jersey" rel="category tag">New Jersey</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/australia/new-zealand/" title="View all posts in New Zealand" rel="category tag">New Zealand</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/north-america/states/texas/" title="View all posts in Texas" rel="category tag">Texas</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/europe/united-kingdom/" title="View all posts in United Kingdom" rel="category tag">United Kingdom</a> / Categories: <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/category/crop-circles/" rel="tag">Crop Circles</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/category/large-type/" rel="tag">Large Type</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/category/movie-locations/" rel="tag">Movie Locations</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/category/stadiums-and-sport/" rel="tag">Stadiums and Sport</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/category/weirdness/" rel="tag">Weirdness</a></p>
<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/gearth/the-best-of-google-maps-circles-paintings-and-rude-messages.kml" class="">View in Google Earth</a></p>	
	
<br />


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		<title>Decadent Dubai on hold</title>
		<link>http://googlesightseeing.com/2011/09/decadent-dubai-on-hold/</link>
		<comments>http://googlesightseeing.com/2011/09/decadent-dubai-on-hold/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:57:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Ian Brown</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[United Arab Emirates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aircraft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Buildings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Large Type]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Structures]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Weirdness]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://googlesightseeing.com/?p=24458</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Here at Google Sightseeing we’re fond of the excesses that are common in the oil-rich city of Dubai.1 Before the recent recession, money flowed so freely that even utilitarian structures were built larger than anywhere else&#8230;]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Here at Google Sightseeing we’re fond of the excesses that are common in the oil-rich city of Dubai.<sup id="fnref:1"><a href="#fn:1" rel="footnote">1</a></sup> Before the recent recession, money flowed so freely that even utilitarian structures were built larger than anywhere else on the planet. One example is <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24458&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=25.248359,55.362334&amp;z=16" class="placemark">Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport</a> – the world’s largest airport terminal.</p>

<p>At more than a million square metres, this was – for a time – the largest building in the world by floor space<sup id="fnref:2"><a href="#fn:2" rel="footnote">2</a></sup>, though I suspect that even in this vast terminal it is probably impossible – like airports everywhere – to get a reasonably-priced meal or a decent cup of coffee!</p>

<p>Built at a cost of $4.5billion, the terminal also houses the world’s largest baggage-handling system. It opened in 2009 and expanded the airport’s annual capacity to over 60 million passengers. Used exclusively by Emirates, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24458&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=25.248844,55.362205&amp;z=18" class="placemark">five gates</a> in the terminal have been built with three ramps to accommodate the new double-deck Airbus A380.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24458&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=25.248844,55.362205&amp;z=18"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24469" src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/dd2-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="323" /></a></p>

<p>The passenger areas include lots of trees and water features, well over 100 check-in desks, luxury lounges, two hotels and a spa. The images in <a href="http://www.bablotech.com/2009/04/04/30-pictures-of-amazing-dubai-airport-terminal-3/">this blog post</a> give you a good idea of what it is like.</p>

<p>Travelling south we come to the <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24458&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=25.156851,55.302322&amp;z=17" class="placemark">Meydan Racecourse</a> where racing fans are protected from the desert sun by the world’s largest cantilevered roof. This iconic 426m-long structure was built in a graceful crescent shape inspired by traditional Islamic symbols.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24458&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=25.156851,55.302322&amp;z=17"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24471" src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/dd3-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="323" /></a></p>

<p>Turf and dirt tracks allow racing in different weather conditions. You can take in the races from luxury suites, terraced seating for up to 60,000 people, or from the world’s first trackside <a href="http://www.themeydan.com/meydan/index.htm">five-star hotel</a>, where you can even watch from the <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24458&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=25.155427,55.300533&amp;z=19" class="placemark">rooftop swimming pool</a><sup id="fnref:3"><a href="#fn:3" rel="footnote">3</a></sup>. And in case you have trouble making out the winner, you can catch the replay on the <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24458&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=25.157143,55.303873&amp;z=19" class="placemark">world’s longest LED screen</a> – 110m long!</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24458&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=25.155427,55.300533&amp;z=19"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-24472" src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/dd4-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" /></a> <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24458&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=25.157143,55.303873&amp;z=19"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-24473" src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/dd6-150x112-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="112" /></a></p>

<p>The one thing you technically can’t do here is gamble. While betting is not permitted in the UAE, it is possible to bet on races through foreign gambling agencies.</p>

<p>The facilities surrounding the racecourse were designed to resemble a <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24458&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=25.158259,55.300605&amp;z=16" class="placemark">falcon</a>, renowned for its speed. While not complete in Google’s images, the ‘wings’ covering the parking lots can clearly be made out.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24458&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=25.158259,55.300605&amp;z=16"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24474" src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/dd5-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="323" /></a></p>

<p>The small lake at the north-east end of the building is intended to become a marina. This will be connected by a canal to the nearby bay,  allowing the richest of the rich to travel to the races by boat rather  than dealing with traffic jams. You can read more about the racecourse at its <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Maktoum_International_Airport">official website</a>, and at <a href="http://www.starproperty.my/PropertyGuide/Living/2677/0/0">this blog post</a> about the architect.</p>

<p>However, despite past excesses, there are signs that the financial crisis is having an impact in Dubai. Even with a projected future capacity of 90 million passengers, the International Airport shown above would not be enough to serve the city, so development was started on the <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24458&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=24.892745,55.161581&amp;z=14" class="placemark">Al Maktoum airport</a> 40km to the south of the city.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24458&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=24.892745,55.161581&amp;z=14"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24475" src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/dd7-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="323" /></a></p>

<p>Although the satellite images show a single runway under construction, the goal is that <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Maktoum_International_Airport">Al Maktoum</a> will become the world’s largest and busiest airport for both passengers (160 million / year) and cargo. This would involve five runways, three passenger and 16 cargo terminals, as well as hotels, shopping malls and parking for 100,000 cars. Not to mention a bill in excess of $10billion!</p>

<p>Cargo flights started using the airport in 2010 and passenger flights are expected to commence within the next year. However, the planned rapid expansion of the airport has been delayed by the financial downturn, with the goal now to reach full size during the 2020s. The airport is part of a larger project called Dubai World Central which would see the <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24458&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=24.90017,55.15686&amp;z=12" class="placemark">surrounding desert</a> transformed into a number of zones specialising in aerospace, logistics and other commercial enterprises, as well as residential areas. However, this whole project currently appears to be on hold.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24458&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=24.90017,55.15686&amp;z=12"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24482" src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/dd8-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="323" /></a></p>

<p>Back in the city, an ambitious project called Dubailand is also on hold in a <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24458&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=25.068503,55.3232&amp;z=13" class="placemark">partially-developed state</a>, with confusion about what will happen in the future.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24458&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=25.068503,55.3232&amp;z=13"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24483" src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/dd9-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="323" /></a></p>

<p>Dubailand was planned to be the largest collection of entertainment and leisure parks in the world, with areas dedicated to retail, sports, amusement parks, eco-tourism and much more. However, most development was halted in 2008, including plans for parks themed by Lego, Marvel, Warner Bros and Dreamworks. Even in places where work did begin, it was quickly abandoned – such as the <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24458&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=25.059419,55.38723&amp;z=16" class="placemark">Universal Studios park</a> and the <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24458&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=25.092177,55.334702&amp;z=17" class="placemark">Falconcity World of Wonders</a>, which was due to have full-size replicas of places like the Taj Mahal and the Pyramids of Giza.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24458&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=25.059419,55.38723&amp;z=16"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-24484" src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/dd10-150x112-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="112" /></a> <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24458&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=25.092177,55.334702&amp;z=17"><img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-24485" src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/dd11-150x112-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="112" /></a></p>

<p>A few sectors of Dubailand were completed before the money ran out and now sit randomly scattered around the suburban housing and empty desert. <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24458&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=25.043539,55.225353&amp;z=14" class="placemark">Sports City</a> includes a golf course, cricket stadium and Autodrome, but not the planned ‘snow dome’ or other facilities.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24458&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=25.043539,55.225353&amp;z=14"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24486" src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/dd12-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="323" /></a></p>

<p>The <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24458&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=25.067097,55.30582&amp;z=15" class="placemark">Global Village</a> is the only really complete and successful park. It features pavilions themed for more than 20 different countries, with rides, shows and other family activities.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24458&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=25.067097,55.30582&amp;z=15"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24487" src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/dd13-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="322" /></a></p>

<p>You can read more about Dubailand at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dubailand">Wikipedia</a>, the <a href="http://www.globalvillage.ae/en/Home.aspx">Global Village site</a> and at the <a href="http://www.dubailand.ae/">official Dubailand site</a>. The latter is frozen in time, with the <em>What’s New</em> section promoting the start of construction on a Cricket Academy… in January 2007!</p>

<div class="footnotes">
<hr /><ol><li id="fn:1">
<p>Past posts include the <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/2010/01/burj-dubai-renamed-burj-khalifa-still-the-tallest-thing-on-earth/">Burj Khalifa</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/2008/10/ski-dubai/">Ski Dubai</a> and <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/2007/01/the-world-in-dubai/">The World</a>. <a href="#fnref:1" rev="footnote">↩</a></p>
</li>

<li id="fn:2">
<p>Recently surpassed by the Abraj Al Bait Towers in Mecca. <a href="#fnref:2" rev="footnote">↩</a></p>
</li>

<li id="fn:3">
<p>Until recently I had no idea it was possible to sit in a pool and watch  a sporting event, now I’ve written about two! See my <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/2011/09/mlb-stadium-tour-national-league/">MLB – National  League</a> post for the other. Post in the comments if you know of  other facilities with the same feature! <a href="#fnref:3" rev="footnote">↩</a></p>
</li>

</ol></div>
<p>    
    Locations: <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/asia/united-arab-emirates/" title="View all posts in United Arab Emirates" rel="category tag">United Arab Emirates</a> / Categories: <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/category/aircraft/" rel="tag">Aircraft</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/category/buildings/" rel="tag">Buildings</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/category/large-type/" rel="tag">Large Type</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/category/structures/" rel="tag">Structures</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/category/weirdness/" rel="tag">Weirdness</a></p>
<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/gearth/decadent-dubai-on-hold.kml" class="">View in Google Earth</a></p>	
	
<br />


<hr />

You're reading an entry from <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com">Google Sightseeing</a>, which is copyright &copy; 2012 Alex Turnbull &amp; James Turnbull and must not be reproduced without permission.]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Top 5 Busiest Airports of 2011</title>
		<link>http://googlesightseeing.com/2011/09/top-5-busiest-airports-of-2011/</link>
		<comments>http://googlesightseeing.com/2011/09/top-5-busiest-airports-of-2011/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:36:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Chris Hannigan</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Arkansas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[California]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[China]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Colorado]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Georgia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hong Kong]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Illinois]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Texas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United Kingdom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Aircraft]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Buildings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Structures]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://googlesightseeing.com/?p=24345</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Spend any time browsing Google Maps or Earth and you’ll soon spot an airport – they’re usually easy to spot thanks to their massive size. To save you some browsing time, we’ve put together a brand&#8230;]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Spend any time browsing Google Maps or Earth and you’ll soon spot an airport – they’re usually easy to spot thanks to their massive size. To save you some browsing time, we’ve put together a brand new list of 2011′s busiest airports, all measured by the number of passengers running through the terminals.<sup id="fnref:1"><a href="#fn:1" rel="footnote">1</a></sup></p>

<p><strong>5. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)</strong></p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=33.944517,-118.412876&amp;z=12"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/airports14-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="323" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24361" /></a></p>

<p>Starting out at number 5, we find ourselves in the never-ending sun of Los Angeles, California. Between January and May 2011, the Los Angeles International Airport served an astonishing <strong>24,230,832 passengers</strong>, all while competing with four other airports in the Los Angeles area. LAX is designed so that each <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=33.94158,-118.400871&amp;z=16" class="placemark">terminal’s arrival gate</a> feeds directly to the exit, and its eastbound approach over the Pacific Ocean is known for terrifying new flyers!</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=33.94158,-118.400871&amp;z=16"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/airports15-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-24362" /></a></p>

<p><strong>4. O’Hare International Airport (ORD)</strong></p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=41.973678,-87.907104&amp;z=12"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/airports11-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="323" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24358" /></a></p>

<p>Nestled west of downtown Chicago we find the fourth busiest airport in the world, O’Hare International Airport. ORD is perhaps the most intriguing airport on our list to look at from above, due to its centralised design being surrounded by six intersecting runways. From January to May of 2011, O’Hare handled <strong>25,986,415 passengers</strong> in its busy and sometimes <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=41.974272,-87.906643&amp;z=16" class="placemark">frantic terminals</a>. The weather around Chicago has been known to leave its mark on O’Hare as well – in 2010 <strong>1 out of every 5 flights (21.5%)</strong> into O’Hare was delayed by more than 15 minutes.<sup id="fnref:2"><a href="#fn:2" rel="footnote">2</a></sup></p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=41.974272,-87.906643&amp;z=16"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/airports12-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-24359" /></a></p>

<p>Like most busy airports around the world, O’Hare is expanding through its own modernisation plan. Evidence can be seen from above in the form of a <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=41.965905,-87.898822&amp;z=14" class="placemark">new east-west runway</a> being built at the south end of the airport.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=41.965905,-87.898822&amp;z=14"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/airports13-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-24360" /></a></p>

<p><strong>3. London Heathrow Airport (LHR)</strong></p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=51.471779,-0.462284&amp;z=12"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/airports08-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="323" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24355" /></a></p>

<p>Ranking number three in our list, we find the busiest airport in the EU and the airport that handles more international passengers than anywhere else, London’s Heathrow Airport. In the first half of 2011, Heathrow saw <strong>26,733,585 passengers</strong>, which is logistically impressive when you consider LHR only has 2 runways, and it’s also competing with London’s four other airports! In what is becoming a common theme, the airport’s terminals are centrally located <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=51.47156,-0.455139&amp;z=15" class="placemark">in this mess</a> between the runways, with the exception of an international terminal on the south end of the airfield.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=51.47156,-0.455139&amp;z=15"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/airports10-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-24357" /></a></p>

<p>What would the world’s largest international airport be without the world’s largest passenger airplane? Here’s one of the massive <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=51.466621,-0.446027&amp;z=18" class="placemark">Airbus A380</a>s, which we found heading out towards the runway. This plane can be configured to hold up to an amazing <strong>853 people</strong>, but <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seat_configurations_of_the_Airbus_A380">sources</a> indicate this particular bird has somewhere between 550-650 seats onboard.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=51.466621,-0.446027&amp;z=18"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/airports09-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-24356" /></a></p>

<p><strong>2. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)</strong></p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=40.075857,116.605968&amp;z=12"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/airports05-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="323" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24352" /></a></p>

<p>The Asian market is well represented on our countdown in the form of China’s Beijing Capital International Airport, ranking number two in passenger traffic with <strong>31,080,482 flyers</strong> in the first 5 months of this year. That’s nearly 5 million more than Heathrow in the same time period! It looks like the day this <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=40.078318,116.608533&amp;z=16" class="placemark">satellite photo</a> was taken however things are kind of slow, as there isn’t much traffic sitting at the gate.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=40.078318,116.608533&amp;z=16"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/airports06-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-24353" /></a></p>

<p>We did however happen to spot this <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=40.065342,116.616719&amp;z=17" class="placemark">Boeing 777</a> mid-takeoff! Or is landing? Hmm…</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=40.065342,116.616719&amp;z=17"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/airports07-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-24354" /></a></p>

<p><strong>1. Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)</strong></p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=33.638936,-84.427528&amp;z=12"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/airports01-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="323" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24348" /></a></p>

<p>Surprised? Well you shouldn’t be! Year after year, the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta continues to dominate the various statistical categories and easily claim the title of “The World’s Busiest Airport”. It’s had the highest number of annual passengers every year since 1998, the most air traffic in 1999, 2000 and from 2005 through to today, and it even set a world record in 2007 when the airport had a mind boggling 994,346 takeoffs and landings in one year! That’s an average of nearly <strong>one takeoff and one landing every minute of every day</strong> for a solid year! In an effort to handle this unbelievable amount of traffic, the airport expanded and added a fifth runway in 2006 that literally <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=33.620659,-84.430468&amp;z=15" class="placemark">crosses over</a> <del datetime="2011-09-29T16:52:53+00:00">Interstate 85</del> Interstate 285.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=33.620659,-84.430468&amp;z=15"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/airports02-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-24349" /></a></p>

<p>ATL has 195 gates spread across six terminals, all accessible by an underground train system. Some of these gates are <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=33.643295,-84.432667&amp;z=17" class="placemark">squeezed extremely tightly together</a>. Delta Airlines (which appropriately happens to be the world’s largest airline) uses Hartsfield–Jackson as its main hub airport, flying over 59% of all flights here. To avoid radio confusion the FAA officially renamed taxiway D (normally pronounced Delta everywhere else) to Taxiway Dixie.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=33.643295,-84.432667&amp;z=17"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/airports03-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-24350" /></a></p>

<p>Atlanta had <strong>36,548,629 passengers</strong> between January and May of 2011, which is 5.5 million more than Beijing, and they’re still expanding! Google imagery shows us <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=33.639151,-84.418924&amp;z=15" class="placemark">construction of the new terminal F</a>, due to be opened in Spring 2012, and also the airport’s control tower, which happens to be the tallest in the United States as well!</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=33.639151,-84.418924&amp;z=15"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/airports04-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-24351" /></a></p>

<p><strong>Honourable Mentions</strong></p>

<p>Amongst aviation geeks you will hear the grumblings that an airport isn’t the busiest unless it has the most planes, or the most cargo, or the most international passengers, or whatever! So to be well-rounded in our not so scientific list, here are a few honourable mentions that don’t quite have the passenger counts to make the top 5, but make up for it in other areas.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=32.897191,-97.040863&amp;z=12" class="placemark">Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)</a> – Ranks number 4 in traffic movement.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=32.897191,-97.040863&amp;z=12"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/airports16-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-24363" /></a></p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=39.86339,-104.676704&amp;z=12" class="placemark">Denver International Airport (DEN)</a> – Ranks number 5 in traffic movement.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=39.86339,-104.676704&amp;z=12"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/airports17-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-24364" /></a></p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=22.306729,113.916979&amp;z=13" class="placemark">Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)</a> – Ranks number 1 in cargo traffic.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=22.306729,113.916979&amp;z=13"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/airports18-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-24365" /></a></p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=35.047021,-89.964123&amp;z=12" class="placemark">Memphis International Airport (MEM)</a> – Ranks number 2 in cargo traffic.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=24345&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=35.047021,-89.964123&amp;z=12"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/airports19-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-24347" /></a></p>

<div class="footnotes">
<hr /><ol><li id="fn:1">
<p>Statistics based on information provided by ACI in <a href="http://www.airports.org/cda/aci_common/display/main/aci_content07_c.jsp?zn=aci&amp;cp=1-5-212-218-222_666_2__">this report</a>. <a href="#fnref:1" rev="footnote">↩</a></p>
</li>

<li id="fn:2">
<p>According to the statistics available on <a href="http://www.rita.dot.gov/">this</a> webpage. <a href="#fnref:2" rev="footnote">↩</a></p>
</li>

</ol></div>
<p>    
    Locations: <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/north-america/states/arkansas/" title="View all posts in Arkansas" rel="category tag">Arkansas</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/north-america/states/california/" title="View all posts in California" rel="category tag">California</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/asia/china/" title="View all posts in China" rel="category tag">China</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/north-america/states/colorado/" title="View all posts in Colorado" rel="category tag">Colorado</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/north-america/states/georgia/" title="View all posts in Georgia" rel="category tag">Georgia</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/asia/hong-kong/" title="View all posts in Hong Kong" rel="category tag">Hong Kong</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/north-america/states/illinois/" title="View all posts in Illinois" rel="category tag">Illinois</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/north-america/states/texas/" title="View all posts in Texas" rel="category tag">Texas</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/europe/united-kingdom/" title="View all posts in United Kingdom" rel="category tag">United Kingdom</a> / Categories: <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/category/aircraft/" rel="tag">Aircraft</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/category/buildings/" rel="tag">Buildings</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/category/structures/" rel="tag">Structures</a></p>
<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/gearth/top-5-busiest-airports-of-2011.kml" class="">View in Google Earth</a></p>	
	
<br />


<hr />

You're reading an entry from <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com">Google Sightseeing</a>, which is copyright &copy; 2012 Alex Turnbull &amp; James Turnbull and must not be reproduced without permission.]]></content:encoded>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>World&#8217;s Largest Graffiti? Not even close.</title>
		<link>http://googlesightseeing.com/2011/07/worlds-largest-graffiti-not-even-close/</link>
		<comments>http://googlesightseeing.com/2011/07/worlds-largest-graffiti-not-even-close/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:27:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alex Turnbull</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[United Arab Emirates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Islands]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Large Type]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://googlesightseeing.com/?p=23043</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Doing the rounds on the mainstream sites this week has been the story of Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, who has created a series of canals in the coastline of his own private&#8230;]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Doing the rounds on the mainstream sites this week has been the story of Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Hamad bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, who has created a series of canals in the coastline of his own private island that spell out his name, “HAMAD”, in enormous water-filled letters.</p>

<p>This single 5-letter word is over a mile long<sup id="fnref:1"><a href="#fn:1" rel="footnote">1</a></sup> and <a href="http://blogs.forbes.com/christopherhelman/2011/07/20/abu-dhabi-oil-sheikh-writes-his-name-in-the-sand-two-miles-wide/">some media outlets</a> are claiming it’s the world’s largest graffiti.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=23043&amp;c=&amp;t=h&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=24.344575,54.325268&amp;z=16"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/hamad-atrb.jpg" alt="" title="hamad" width="482" height="323" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-23046" /></a></p>

<p>We first wrote about this brilliant bit of enormous typography all the way back in 2006, but at the time it was only partially completed, simply saying “HA”.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/2006/07/laughing-into-space/"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/HA.jpg" alt="" title="HA" width="160" height="120" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-23054" /></a></p>

<p>Long-time readers will recall that this is by no means the world’s largest writing – that honour goes to the utterly incredible “LUECKE” – the <em>individual letters</em> of which are each over a <strong>half a mile tall</strong>.<sup id="fnref:2"><a href="#fn:2" rel="footnote">2</a></sup></p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=23043&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=30.081949,-97.138624&amp;z=14"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/luecke-atrb.jpg" alt="" title="luecke" width="482" height="323" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-23047" /></a></p>

<p>Our <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/2005/04/luecke/">original post on Luecke</a> has the full story in the comments thread, including <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/2005/04/luecke/comment-page-1/#comment-11626">an explanation from Mr. Luecke himself</a>.</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>This land is my land (yes, really). As my nephew Pete already pointed out, I did it for the hell of it. I was going to open a golf course, but decided not to. If you look in the “L”, you can see 4 holes of my private “course”, though I haven’t maintained it in a couple of years now (due to some surgerys preventing my game), so you might not be able to make it out. My son showed me on the Google Earth program, and you could indeed see the bunkers and barely make out the fairways.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>If Sheikh Hamad continues to write out the rest of his (somewhat wordy) official title, then he could potentially make one of the longest pieces of writing on the planet (longer even than <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/2009/01/ni-pena-ni-miedo-no-shame-nor-fear/">the world’s longest poem</a>), but he’d have to think a whole lot bigger if he were going to best the insane type-size of the <a href="http://www.google.co.uk/search?sourceid=&amp;q=2%2C592%2C000+points+in+metres">2,592,000 point</a> Luecke sign!</p>

<div class="footnotes">
<hr /><ol><li id="fn:1">
<p>Although you think he’d have made it the right way round to be read on Google Maps! <a href="#fnref:1" rev="footnote">↩</a></p>
</li>

<li id="fn:2">
<p>NASA have famously <a href="http://earth.jsc.nasa.gov/newsletter/SpatialRes/Fig10.jpg">used the word</a> to calculate the ground area represented by a single pixel in photographs taken from space (more details <a href="http://earth.jsc.nasa.gov/newsletter/SpatialRes/default5.htm">here</a>). <a href="#fnref:2" rev="footnote">↩</a></p>
</li>

</ol></div>
<p>    
    Locations: <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/asia/united-arab-emirates/" title="View all posts in United Arab Emirates" rel="category tag">United Arab Emirates</a> / Categories: <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/category/islands/" rel="tag">Islands</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/category/large-type/" rel="tag">Large Type</a></p>
<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/gearth/worlds-largest-graffiti-not-even-close.kml" class="">View in Google Earth</a></p>	
	
<br />


<hr />

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		<title>The world&#8217;s longest cross-sea bridge… or is it? (Jiaozhou Bay Bridge)</title>
		<link>http://googlesightseeing.com/2011/07/the-worlds-longest-cross-sea-bridge%e2%80%a6-or-is-it-jiaozhou-bay-bridge/</link>
		<comments>http://googlesightseeing.com/2011/07/the-worlds-longest-cross-sea-bridge%e2%80%a6-or-is-it-jiaozhou-bay-bridge/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:01:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alex Turnbull</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[China]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bridges]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://googlesightseeing.com/?p=22740</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Today the news is filled with stories about the opening of the Jiaozhou Bay Bridge, which at 42.4km (26.3 miles) is attempting to lay claim to the title of “longest sea bridge in the world”. The&#8230;]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Today the news is filled with stories about the opening of the Jiaozhou Bay Bridge, which at 42.4km (26.3 miles) is attempting to lay claim to the title of “longest sea bridge in the world”.</p>

<p>The bridge spans connects the eastern coastal city of Qingdao to the suburb of Huangdao, and despite several reputable sources <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-13976281">claiming</a> the Jiaozhou Bay Bridge is the world’s longest bridge to cross the sea, the triple-ended bridge actually spans a bay, so it probably only qualifies as the “world’s longest roadway bridge over water”.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=22740&amp;c=&amp;t=h&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=36.170863,120.29789&amp;z=15"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/worldslongestbridge-atrb.jpg" alt="" title="worldslongestbridge" width="482" height="323" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-22743" /></a></p>

<p>Except there’s a bit of disagreement from the <em>previous</em> holder of the title – the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in southern Louisiana, which claims it’s still the <strong>true</strong> record holder – and it may have a point.</p>

<p>The argument is that the Jiaozhou Bay Bridge is <strong>over water</strong> for only(!) 25.5 km (15.8 mi), while the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway crosses water for 38 km (24 mi). These figures were announced by a “representative of Lake Pontchartrain Causeway”, but given the complexity of the Jiaozhou Bay Bridge, who knows what methodology was used to get to these numbers!</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=22740&amp;c=&amp;t=k&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=30.191431,-90.103683&amp;z=11"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/lake-pontchartrain-causeway-atrb.jpg" alt="" title="lake-pontchartrain-causeway" width="482" height="323" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-22742" /></a></p>

<p>We originally wrote about the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/2005/04/the-lake-pontchartrain-causeway/">back in April 2005</a>, which today (thanks in part to China’s seemingly unstoppable economic expansion) is one of only two bridges outside Asia that remains amongst the top ten longest bridges in the world. Which could perhaps explain why the anthropomorphised Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is upset.</p>

<p>Regardless of which bridge is longer (and under which definition), there can be no question that these staggeringly huge bridges are sheer masterpieces of modern engineering and construction. Here’s s Street View image from the middle of the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway which demonstrates its length brilliantly.</p>

<p>Click through to the map and spin around – you can’t see land anywhere. The bridge is so long that the curvature of the Earth obscures the shore from sight!</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=22740&amp;c=&amp;layer=c&amp;spn=0,0.111151&amp;hl=en&amp;t=k&amp;ll=30.194082,-90.123535&amp;z=14&amp;cbp=12,74.85,,0,2.15&amp;cbll=30.194082,-90.123535"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/lake-pontchartrain-causeway-streetview-atrb.jpg" alt="" title="lake-pontchartrain-causeway-streetview" width="482" height="323" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-22741" /></a></p>

<p>This Wikipedia page lists all the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_longest_bridges_in_the_world">longest bridges in the world</a>, including several land-based ones that are far longer than either the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jiaozhou_Bay_Bridge">Jiaozhou Bay Bridge</a> or the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway!</p>

<p>Thanks to Barry for the Street View link!</p>
<p>    
    Locations: <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/asia/china/" title="View all posts in China" rel="category tag">China</a> / Categories: <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/category/bridges/" rel="tag">Bridges</a></p>
<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/gearth/the-worlds-longest-cross-sea-bridge%e2%80%a6-or-is-it-jiaozhou-bay-bridge.kml" class="">View in Google Earth</a></p>	
	
<br />


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		<title>Largest Ever Street View Update, June 29th 2011</title>
		<link>http://googlesightseeing.com/2011/06/largest-ever-street-view-update-june-29th-2011/</link>
		<comments>http://googlesightseeing.com/2011/06/largest-ever-street-view-update-june-29th-2011/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 29 Jun 2011 21:11:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Alex Turnbull</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Denmark]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ireland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Italy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Japan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Netherlands]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[North America]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Norway]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Romania]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[South Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sweden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Taiwan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[United Kingdom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Street Views]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://googlesightseeing.com/?p=22551</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In the past few hours, Google have announced their largest ever Street View update, incorporating new imagery for thirteen of the twenty six countries with existing coverage. The countries receiving updated imagery are Denmark, Ireland, Italy,&#8230;]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In the past few hours, Google have announced their <strong>largest ever</strong> Street View update, incorporating new imagery for <strong>thirteen</strong> of the twenty six countries with existing coverage.</p>

<p>The countries receiving updated imagery are Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Romania, South Africa, Taiwan, Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom.</p>

<p>Additionally, there is brand new coverage of two of Britain’s <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crown_Dependency">Crown Dependencies</a>, the <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=22551&amp;c=&amp;q=isle+of+man&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=54.1986,-4.456329&amp;spn=0.968844,2.918243&amp;sll=37.0625,-95.677068&amp;sspn=56.987104,114.169922&amp;t=h&amp;z=10" class="placemark">Isle of Man</a>, and <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=22551&amp;c=&amp;q=Jersey&amp;hl=en&amp;sll=53.800651,-4.064941&amp;sspn=31.602023,93.383789&amp;t=h&amp;z=13" class="placemark">Jersey</a>.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=22551&amp;c=&amp;t=h&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=54.225396,-4.697381&amp;z=18&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=54.225396,-4.697381&amp;cbp=12,324.74,,0,-0.86"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/peel-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" title="peel" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-22555" /></a>
<cite><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peel_Castle">Peel Castle</a>, Isle of Man</cite></p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=22551&amp;c=&amp;t=h&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=49.199865,-2.021312&amp;z=15&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=49.199865,-2.021312&amp;cbp=12,97.73,,0,-5.13"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/orgueil-316x211-atrb.jpg" alt="" title="orgueil" width="316" height="211" class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-22554" /></a>
<cite><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mont_Orgueil">Mont Orgueil</a>, Jersey</cite></p>

<p>Of particular interest in the United States, brand new imagery has been added throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles and <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=22551&amp;c=&amp;q=995+Front+Street,+San+Diego,+California,+United+States&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=32.715395,-117.164737&amp;spn=0.010886,0.022799&amp;sll=32.715751,-117.164724&amp;sspn=0.010886,0.022799&amp;layer=c&amp;cbp=13,145.94,,0,-29.47&amp;cbll=32.715757,-117.164748&amp;t=h&amp;z=17&amp;panoid=q28lkEbXIo5IMhFIh37JvA" class="placemark">San Diego</a>, taking in sights such as the <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=22551&amp;c=&amp;q=Golden+Gate+Bridge,+San+Francisco,+CA&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=37.820953,-122.47875&amp;spn=0.001283,0.00285&amp;sll=37.0625,-95.677068&amp;sspn=69.438286,124.101563&amp;t=h&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=37.820953,-122.47875&amp;panoid=NJd7-Xi3GIBIXSgRBGIXXA&amp;cbp=12,13.72,,0,0&amp;z=20" class="placemark">Golden Gate Bridge</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=22551&amp;c=&amp;q=staples+center&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=34.042001,-118.266739&amp;spn=0.010722,0.022799&amp;radius=15000&amp;t=h&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=34.041895,-118.266841&amp;panoid=QSMqctpqUwSoKCW13Tu-fQ&amp;cbp=12,354.98,,0,-11.43&amp;z=17" class="placemark">Staples Center</a>, and <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=22551&amp;c=&amp;t=h&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=32.7125,-117.173852&amp;z=15&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=32.7125,-117.173852&amp;cbp=11,335.84,,0,-5.46" class="placemark">USS Midway</a> which are now shown in stunning high-resolution.</p>

<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/maps?p=22551&amp;c=&amp;q=Golden+Gate+Bridge,+San+Francisco,+CA&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=37.820953,-122.47875&amp;spn=0.001283,0.00285&amp;sll=37.0625,-95.677068&amp;sspn=69.438286,124.101563&amp;t=h&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=37.820953,-122.47875&amp;panoid=NJd7-Xi3GIBIXSgRBGIXXA&amp;cbp=12,13.72,,0,0&amp;z=20"><img src="http://googlesightseeing.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/golden-atrb.jpg" alt="" title="golden" width="482" height="323" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-22553" /></a></p>

<p>What can you find in the new imagery? Send us your finds via <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/suggest/">our suggestion form</a>, or <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/gsightseeing">on Twitter</a>, and we’ll post a roundup later in the week of your best finds!</p>

<p>Read the full story at the <a href="http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2011/06/street-view-our-biggest-update-yet.html">Google Latlong blog</a>.</p>
<p>    
    Locations: <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/europe/denmark/" title="View all posts in Denmark" rel="category tag">Denmark</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/europe/ireland/" title="View all posts in Ireland" rel="category tag">Ireland</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/europe/italy/" title="View all posts in Italy" rel="category tag">Italy</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/asia/japan/" title="View all posts in Japan" rel="category tag">Japan</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/europe/netherlands/" title="View all posts in Netherlands" rel="category tag">Netherlands</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/north-america/" title="View all posts in North America" rel="category tag">North America</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/europe/norway/" title="View all posts in Norway" rel="category tag">Norway</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/europe/romania/" title="View all posts in Romania" rel="category tag">Romania</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/africa/south-africa/" title="View all posts in South Africa" rel="category tag">South Africa</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/europe/spain/" title="View all posts in Spain" rel="category tag">Spain</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/europe/sweden/" title="View all posts in Sweden" rel="category tag">Sweden</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/asia/taiwan/" title="View all posts in Taiwan" rel="category tag">Taiwan</a>, <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/countries/continents/europe/united-kingdom/" title="View all posts in United Kingdom" rel="category tag">United Kingdom</a> / Categories: <a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/category/street-views/" rel="tag">Street Views</a></p>
<p><a href="http://googlesightseeing.com/gearth/largest-ever-street-view-update-june-29th-2011.kml" class="">View in Google Earth</a></p>	
	
<br />


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