This is the alpha version of Terrapattern, a visual search tool for satellite imagery. The project provides journalists, citizen scientists, and other researchers with the ability to quickly scan large geographical regions for specific visual features.

Terrapattern finds places that look the same using machine learning.

Terrapattern is a prototype for helping people quickly scan extremely large geographical areas for specific visual features. We are particularly keen to help people identify, characterize and track indicators which have not been detected or measured previously, and which have sociological, humanitarian, scientific, or cultural significance.

The Terrapattern interface

Terrapattern provides an open-ended interface for visual query-by-example. Simply click an interesting spot on Terrapattern's map, and it will find other locations that look similar. Our prototype is ideal for finding things that aren't usually indicated on maps. For best results, we recommend using a device with a large screen.

Terrapattern can identify things like:

...boat wakes in New York City rivers, Boat wakes in NYC rivers, identified by Terrapattern

...shipping container yards in Manhattan, Shipping container yards in New York City, identified by Terrapattern

...suburban cul-de-sacs near Pittsburgh, Cul-de-sacs in Allegheny county, identified by Terrapattern

...and much more!

Choose a city to explore: