Google Timelapse shows how world has changed over 28 years

Google has launched a new project called Timelapse. Credit: Google Timelapse

Google has unveiled its latest project where you can witness the emergence of tall skyscrapers from the Dubai desert to the rapid shrinking of glaciers in Alaska.

The search engine's project Timelapse shows how different parts of the world changed between 1984 and 2012.

Google teamed up with NASA and the US Geological Society - who have been gathering images of the earth for 40 years through their satellites - to produce this project.

There is also an "explore the world" option, which allows you to type in any location and see how the landscape has altered in that period.

Dubai, Las Vegas and Shanghai all significantly changed between 1984 to 2012, as the pictures below show.

Dubai 1984

Dubai 2012

In the course of 28 years, the land contains skyscrapers and artificial islands on its coast. Credit: Google Timelapse

Las Vegas 1984

Las Vegas appears to be a small city in the middle of the desert. Credit: Google Timelapse

Las Vegas 2012

The city greatly expanded during this period and now attracts millions of tourists. Credit: Google Timelapse

Shanghai 1984

There was a rapid redevelopment in Shanghai in the 1990s, drastically changing the landscape. Credit: Google Timelapse

Shanghai 2012

It is now the largest city by population in China with over 23 million people living there. Credit: Google Timelapse

Perhaps even more startling than the rapid growth of Dubai, Las Vegas and Shanghai, is the change in the environment over the past 28 years.

Columbia Glacier, Alaska, 1984

Climate change has visibly affected the Columbia Glacier in Alaska. Credit: Google Timelapse

Columbia Glacier, 2012, Alaska

The glacier has lost about 12 miles and nearly 1,300 foot in thickness. Credit: Google Timelapse

Lake Urmia, Iran, 1984

The satellite images appear to show the Lake Urmia in Iran is drying up. Credit: Google Timelapse

Lake Urmia, Iran, 2012

It is the largest lake in the Middle East and the drought is believed to have started in 1999. Credit: Google Timelapse

Oil Sands, Alberta, 1984

In 1984, the forests of northeastern Alberta, Canada, were quiet. Credit: Google Timelapse

Oil Sands, Alberta, 2012

Since then there has been a boom in unconventional oil. Credit: Google Timelapse