It’s easy to be discouraged by the world and humanity at large when you’re stuck on the ground. War, natural disaster, suburban sprawl, and urban decay all make you feel small and powerless to stop any suffering. From the air, however, that’s a different story.

From above, it’s plain to see that we humans are powerful creatures. We have the knowledge and the tools it takes to transform landscapes into something completely different. Just think about how things would be if we used that power to make the world better instead of worse.

If that’s a bit difficult to wrap your head around, check out the photos below of human civilization from the air, taken by Google Maps. They’re beautiful, powerful, and might just inspire you to hold some hope for the future.

Welcome to suburbia.

That is beautiful.

It looks like this might be a construction site.

Perfect circles.

“Little boxes on the hillside…”

Very scenic.

Perfect rows.

These almost look like massive crop circles.

Can you spot the face in this one?

Thousands of people are down there living their lives.

Nearly unspoiled nature.

I think I can see my house from here.

Talk about a feat of engineering.

(source: Reddit)

Simply breathtaking. Seeing this on Google Maps is one thing, but seeing it in person is another. Make sure to get a window seat on your next flight across the country.

I promise the view will be inspiring.