How to Find Urbex Locations Using Satellite Imagery

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Uploaded by Zethrus • 10/27/2025, 8:35:16 AM

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Discover how to find urban exploration (urbex) locations using satellite imagery with our detailed guide. Learn to use Google Earth and ArcGIS Living Atlas Wayback to identify abandoned sites safely and legally, with tips on spotting decay, comparing historical imagery, and planning ethical urbex adventures.

# How to Find Urbex Locations Using Satellite Imagery

## Introduction

Urban exploration (urbex) involves discovering and exploring abandoned man-made structures like old factories, hospitals, or ghost towns. This guide focuses on using satellite imagery—both current and historical—to identify potential urbex sites safely and legally from your computer. Tools like Google Earth and the ArcGIS Living Atlas Wayback app allow you to spot signs of abandonment without physically visiting.

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**Important Legal and Safety Note:** Urbex can involve trespassing, which is illegal in many places and can be dangerous. Always research property ownership, obtain permissions if needed, and prioritize safety. This guide is for informational purposes only—do not use it to break laws. Respect "No Trespassing" signs, and consider the ethics: leave no trace, avoid vandalism, and preserve sites for others. If exploring, go with a group, wear protective gear (e.g., sturdy boots, gloves, flashlight), and inform someone of your plans.

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## Tools You'll Need

- **Google Earth**: Free desktop app for high-resolution satellite views with built-in historical imagery. Download from [google.com/earth](https://www.google.com/earth/).
- **ArcGIS Living Atlas Wayback**: A web-based tool for accessing extensive historical satellite imagery archives. Access at [livingatlas.arcgis.com/wayback](https://livingatlas.arcgis.com/wayback/).
- **Other Optional Tools**: Bing Maps or Apple Maps for alternative views; Reddit (e.g., r/urbex) or urbex forums for community tips (but verify info independently); online property records for ownership checks.
- **Basic Requirements**: A computer with internet, a web browser, and patience—imagery analysis takes time.

## General Steps for Finding Urbex Locations

1. **Research Target Areas**: Start with known regions prone to abandonment, like declining industrial cities (e.g., Detroit, MI), old mining towns, or rural areas. Use web searches for "abandoned places in [location]" to get ideas, but cross-verify with imagery.
2. **Look for Signs of Abandonment**: In satellite views, scan for:
   - Overgrown vegetation (e.g., trees on roofs or roads).
   - Decaying structures (e.g., collapsed buildings, rusted vehicles).
   - Lack of activity (e.g., empty parking lots, no recent road maintenance).
   - Isolation (e.g., sites far from active roads or developments).
3. **Compare Historical vs. Current Imagery**: Abandoned sites often show progressive decay over years—e.g., a bustling factory in 2000 that's overgrown by 2020.
4. **Cross-Reference Sources**: Combine imagery with maps, news articles, or forums to confirm abandonment and assess risks.
5. **Document and Plan**: Note coordinates, take screenshots, and research access points legally.

## Using Google Earth for Satellite and Historical Imagery

Google Earth is user-friendly for beginners and includes a historical slider for time-based comparisons.

### Step-by-Step Guide

1. **Install and Launch**: Download and open Google Earth Pro (free version works fine).
2. **Search for a Location**: Enter an address, city, or coordinates in the search bar (e.g., "Pripyat, Ukraine" for a famous abandoned city).
3. **Navigate the Map**: Zoom in/out with your mouse wheel, pan by dragging, and tilt for 3D views to inspect structures closely.
4. **Enable Historical Imagery**:
   - Go to the menu: View > Historical Imagery (or click the clock icon in the toolbar).
   - A timeline slider appears at the top or bottom.
5. **Select Dates**:
   - Drag the slider to choose a year (available dates vary by location—urban areas have more).
   - The map updates to show imagery from that date.
6. **Compare Changes**:
   - Toggle between dates to spot differences.
   - Use the split-view if available, or manually switch while keeping the location centered.
7. **Identify Abandonment Signs**:
   - Look for vegetation growth: Compare a clear lot in older images to a forested one now.
   - Spot decay: Zoom on buildings for roof holes or rubble.
   - Check activity: No cars or paths in recent views suggest disuse.
8. **Advanced Features**:
   - Add layers (e.g., roads, terrain) via the Layers panel.
   - Measure distances or areas to gauge site size.
   - Export KML files for sharing coordinates.

**Tips**: Older images may be lower resolution, so focus on broad changes. If no historical data shows, the area might lack coverage—try nearby spots.

## Using ArcGIS Living Atlas Wayback for Historical Imagery

Wayback offers deeper historical archives (back to 2014 for some areas) and is great for global coverage.

### Step-by-Step Guide

1. **Access the App**: Go to [livingatlas.arcgis.com/wayback](https://livingatlas.arcgis.com/wayback/) in your browser. No account needed for basics.
2. **Navigate the Interface**: The map loads with a timeline slider (bottom or side). Use the search bar for locations (e.g., "Gary, Indiana").
3. **Zoom and Explore**: Pan and zoom to focus on potential sites.
4. **Select Dates**:
   - Drag the timeline slider to a specific date.
   - Use the date picker for precise selection.
   - The map refreshes with historical imagery (closest available if exact date missing).
5. **Compare Images**:
   - Activate split-view (look for a divider icon) to show two dates side-by-side.
   - Toggle or animate between dates for time-lapse effects.
6. **Identify Changes for Urbex**:
   - Overgrown areas: Green overgrowth in new images vs. clear in old.
   - Structural decay: Intact buildings degrading over time.
   - Reduced activity: Empty sites that were once developed.
   - Land shifts: Undeveloped lots persisting unchanged.
7. **Advanced Tools**:
   - Overlay layers for context (e.g., hybrid maps).
   - Export images or data if signed in.

**Tips**: Focus on industrial or remote areas for best results. Data is satellite-based, so cloud cover might obscure some dates—try alternatives.

## Advanced Tips and Extra Information

- **Combining Tools**: Use Google Earth for quick scouts, then Wayback for older archives. Export coords from one to the other.
- **Spotting Specific Types of Sites**:
  - Factories/Mills: Look for large complexes with rail lines that fade over time.
  - Hospitals/Asylums: Isolated buildings with overgrown grounds.
  - Ghost Towns: Clusters of structures with no recent development.
  - Tunnels/Underground: Harder to spot—look for surface entrances via terrain views.
- **Enhance with Other Data**:
  - Check property records via county websites or tools like Zillow for ownership/vacancy status.
  - Use apps like AllTrails for access paths, but avoid off-trail risks.
  - Join safe online communities (e.g., Urbex Discord or forums) for shared finds, but don't reveal sensitive locations.
- **Common Pitfalls to Avoid**:
  - Misinterpreting active sites: Cross-check with recent news or Street View.
  - Over-reliance on imagery: Ground truth can differ—e.g., fenced areas.
  - Privacy: Avoid residential zones to respect owners.
- **Safety Essentials**:
  - Hazards: Asbestos, unstable floors, wildlife—research site-specific risks.
  - Preparation: Bring first aid, water, and a charged phone with GPS.
  - Legality: In the US, use tools like BLM land maps for public access; elsewhere, check local laws.
- **Ethical Urbex**: Document via photos only (no removal of items), share responsibly to prevent overcrowding/vandalism.

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This method keeps exploration digital-first, reducing risks. If a site piques interest, always verify legally before visiting. For more, explore official tool docs or urbex books like "Access All Areas" by Ninjalicious.

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How to Find Urbex Locations Using Satellite Imagery