This is an atlas which takes a look at the world using the technology of satellite photographs. Alongside the photographs are maps, using traditional cartography, of the area featured. An introduction to each country is given in the main text, illustrated with land-based photographs. Topic boxes for each country highlight a topical issue about the people, the environment or political events. An introductory spread describes the history of satellites and explains how they work and their impact on today"s world. The images give a bird"s eye view of a smoking volcano, the patterns created by Russian oilfields, whole continents in a single image as well as tiny islands in the vast Pacific Ocean. The aim of the book is to assist the reader in the interpretation of satellite images so that they can be compared with maps and ordinary photographs.