Whether you’re a trained archaeologist, an independent researcher or just somebody with a passing interest in history, Google Earth really is an incredible research tool. We can view any part of the world in superb detail and the satellite pictures that make up this interactive globe are updated year after year – sometimes twice a year – and as well as seeing the planet as it appears today, we can also scroll back through the archive, and compare different parts of the planet through time.

Watch this video to learn more about spotting ancient, historic and natural anomalies on Google Earth, and how to become a 'Globe Spotter' yourself!