(Image credit: German Aerospace Center (DLR) )

With a project called Global Urban Footprints, scientists use radar imagery to reveal human development around the world.

Minneapolis, United States

(Image credit: German Aerospace Center (DLR) )

The images are presented in three colors — black for urban areas; white for land surface; and grey for water. Minneapolis, Minnesota, is shown here.

Tokyo, Japan

(Image credit: German Aerospace Center (DLR) )

A radar image of Tokyo, Japan.

Tokyo, Japan

(Image credit: German Aerospace Center (DLR) )

A visible light image of Tokyo, Japan

Cairo, Egypt

(Image credit: German Aerospace Center (DLR) )

A radar image of Cairo, Egypt.

Brussels, Germany

(Image credit: German Aerospace Center (DLR) )

Radar imagery of Brussels, Germany.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

(Image credit: German Aerospace Center (DLR) )

A satellite radar image of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Delhi, India

(Image credit: German Aerospace Center (DLR) )

Satellite radar image of Delhi, India.

Delhi, India

(Image credit: German Aerospace Center (DLR) )

A visible light image of Delhi, India.

Los Angeles, United States

(Image credit: German Aerospace Center (DLR) )

Human development in Los Angeles, California, viewed with satellite radar.

Munich, Germany

(Image credit: German Aerospace Center (DLR) )

The region around Munich, Germany, viewed with satellite radar.