About this Site
The Views of the Earth are a collection of views of the earth surface, generated artificially by use of a Computer. I started this collection in 2006 and it meanwhile contains over 200 images.
The images here are generated with a method completely different from the one used by programs like Google Earth or NASA World Wind. This technique (raytracing) allows higher quality and more realistic renderings and also can be used to produce much larger and more detailed views as demonstrated by the 5 Gigapixel image.
The selection of motives and the style of the views here is based on my personal ideas and preferences. In addition i also offer images for commercial use generated with the same techniques on the Imagico.de services and products.
Further Information
- To find out more about the technical details how these images are created see the technical information page.
- You can order prints of a selection of the earth views shown here on the print order page.
- Information on the topic of image licensing can be found on the licensing information page.
- The programs and data sources used for creating these images are listed on the credits page.
- I added a frequently asked questions page with questions i have been frequently asked concerning this site and the images here.
- You can find everything else on this website on the Sitemap.

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Visitor comments:
You can comment on the images on this site and the comments will be shown below the images. Here are general comments on this website made by visitors. You can leave your own comments if you want to.
Magical pictures of our world. Fantastic for teaching geography.
Fantastic to promote the beauty of the Earth and have it loved by
everybody.
I will put a link on my site in the section about education.
Thanks for your work.
Luc
the subject of longest lines of sight is discussed broadly on Jonathan de Ferranti's site:
http://www.viewfinderpanoramas.org/panoramas.html#longlines
The related subject of the size of the area visible from a certain point is quite a bit more difficult since the visibility of a surface area at glacing angle strongly depends on the microrelief (imagine looking at a paved road from 10cm above vs. looking at a lawn from the same altitude). So measuring this area is a bit like measuring the length of a coastline.
The only sensible quantity with respect to the area visible from a certain point i can think of is the angular area weighted with distance. In other words the integral of the distance of all earth surface visible from that point. But also this quantity strongly depends on how far from the local surface you calculate it.
Keep it up.
But Seas and Oceans are requesting a better attempt to get better. mainly, I mean reflections of water areas that looks unreal. Maybe it's the problem of bump map ...
Surely U knew this
Retired in Arizona, USA.
I wonder if you can add some pictures from winter
Could u post some photos of volcanoes & craters
from above & in larger size
10x
I especially like the blue earth athmosphere and the lighting.
Very precious art
well done and thanks for sharing this with the rest of the web community.
keep the good work and give us more amazing pictures!
olivier
On the technical side,I like to say that you are really ,REALLY GOOD.Thank's for share you talent with all of us..
Realmente los felicito por esta vision increible de nuestro hogar.
How about something from others planets in our solar sistem in the same way that you did with our earht?
I really like to fly over mars or Jupiter with the same image quality that you did of our home planet...
Gracias y suerte desde MEXICO !!!!!
I would suggest Oregon's Crater Lake, from a fairly close and low altitude (like Mt. St. Helens), looking toward the south-southeast. This would take in Mt. McLoughlin, Klamath Lake, and Mt. Shasta.
Also, the Yosemite/Tuolomne valley, I think, would respond well to this treatment.
when can we get cd or dvd version?
Impressive!That's what I was dreaming to see since the time I was student (more than 25 years :) You can see even Muztag and Kangour! The Hindukush looks as it is.
All the best!
Surat
wonderful site.
There seems to be a problem with
"Mediterranean panorama" image...
for some reason it can not be loaded..
Cheers
Thanks!
Thank you.
although i was looking for a real photo of mount fuji.
i suggest to insert the real picture of a place so visitors can confront it to your virtual version. this would also help showing what a good work you have done.
mine is just a suggestion, and because i am only 14 i don't mind if you don't consider my suggestion
I think nearly 10 years ago I played a little with pov-ray. Probably you remember the chess game. It took on my PC386 about 2 days to render...
But your renders are really amazing.
Probably there is a nice view also in Germany:
the view from South German via the "Bodensee" to the Alps.
Best Regards
Maybe, you can do one of Malta?
Very cool.
I wish I had your skill, but most of my renderings still have the checkered floor.
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