For the past few decades, satellites have been taking high definition pictures of the United Kingdom from space. The images are analysed and compared to detailed maps.
Every small area is then given one of dozens of different classifications – from airports to vineyards, glaciers to rubbish dumps.
The work is part of an EU project keeping an eye on changing land use. Is urban sprawl eating into our precious green landscape? Are forests being felled? Are grasslands and wetlands under threat?
Now, using this data treasure trove, we can get a clearer picture of what every corner of the United Kingdom really looks like.
And the results may come as a surprise.