Google Earth Engine is a site that lets you explore how places have changed since 1984 via the magic of satellite images, one for each year and for any place on Earth.
It’s a fun tool, although, as these examples of Ljubljana, Maribor, and Bled show, the physical infrastructure of some of Slovenia’s more famous places hasn’t changed as dramatically as you might expect (press the play symbol to start the animation).
Below: Ljubljana
Below: Maribor
Below: Bled
In contrast, looking at Novo Mesto the change from backwater to industrial powerhouse over the last three decades is quite evident from the air.
Below: Novo mesto
And the same can be seen, on a smaller scale, in the town of Logatec, with much of the change driven by two industrial parks.
Below: Logatec
And if you want to see how fast things have been going in other parts of the world, then check out Shanghai, Dubai, and Las Vegas
Below: Shanghai
Below: Dubai
Below: Las Vegas
You can play around with Google Earth Engine here
