# What is this weird pattern of streets in China? (Google Maps) **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [July 29, 2009, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-weird-pattern-of-streets-in-china-google-maps/504691 "2009-07-29T18:33:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Simplicio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c37758/32.png) [@Simplicio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simplicio)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2009, 6:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-weird-pattern-of-streets-in-china-google-maps/504691/21 "2009-07-30T06:20:54Z")
> [@Erdosain](#): > > There appear to be several runways in the area, and each looks to be between one and two kilometers long. However, there are no support buildings as far as I can tell (unless one of the squares stained with oil is actually a roof). What would be the point of landing military aircraft way out in the middle of nowhere with no logistical support? What size of plane could land on these runways? Fighter jets, bombers, prop planes, 747s? Would the apparent lack of infrastructure mean that only certain types of planes could land? One of the runways has several craters on the end. Since in an air-war you want to blow up an enemies runways so they can’t launch their planes, it seems possible the runways are “dummies” meant for bombing practice or testing as well. > [@](#): > > Thirdly, it was my impression that this level of detail in Google Maps comes from aerial photographs rather than satellite imagery. However, the Chinese government surely wouldn’t have allowed aerial photography in what seems to be a sensitive area. So are Google Maps made from satellite imagery or aerial photography? If it is a bombing range, I’m not sure it’s so sensitive. After all, the CIA can probably figure out that the Chinese test their bombs somewhere without needing ariel pics. You can get high-res pics of [nellis AFB bombing range](http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=nellis+afb&sll=38.126995,-81.515808&sspn=0.899873,1.20163&ie=UTF8&ll=37.105301,-116.046095&spn=0.058732,0.075102&t=h&z=14) in the US as well. Apparently craters don’t have very high intelligence value. ---
**Author:** ![Anaglyph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ed8c4c/32.png) [@Anaglyph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaglyph)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2009, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-weird-pattern-of-streets-in-china-google-maps/504691/22 "2009-07-30T06:39:55Z")
It’s also visible and more zoomable in google earth. there is a second, more decayed looking similar feature to t[he west of it](http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=40.458413,93.389155&z=15&t=h&hl=en) and two landing-strip like features between the two ---
**Author:** ![Crown\_Prince\_of\_Irony](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ed655f/32.png) [@Crown\_Prince\_of\_Irony](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crown_Prince_of_Irony)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2009, 6:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-weird-pattern-of-streets-in-china-google-maps/504691/23 "2009-07-30T06:45:42Z")
I checked out the whole area in Google Earth, and it throws off a very creepy vibe - these lines are definitely not superimposed. If you enable the “Digital Globe” layer you can see that according to Digital Globe’s archives, these lines have been there at [least since May 2005](http://archive.digitalglobe.com/archive/showBrowse.php?catID=1010010004461F01), but were only partially visible in [April of 2005](http://archive.digitalglobe.com/archive/showBrowse.php?catID=10100100042B0109), and were not at all visible in [February of that year](http://archive.digitalglobe.com/archive/showBrowse.php?catID=10100100040E7D01). The Digital Globe images are small, but clear enough to show that clearly this feature appeared in the first half of '05. Maybe it’s an archeological dig of some kind? I did see that around [10-15 miles to the southeast](http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=40%C2%B021%2720.82%22,93%C2%B048%2744.15%22&sll=40.354066,93.813071&sspn=0.021814,0.057807&ie=UTF8&ll=40.355191,93.812175&spn=0.002727,0.007226&t=k&z=18&lci=com.panoramio.all), there are some archeological sites with photos posted. This still does not explain the creepy blue buildings though. ---
**Author:** ![Erdosain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/erdosain/32/7284_2.png) [@Erdosain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Erdosain)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2009, 6:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-weird-pattern-of-streets-in-china-google-maps/504691/24 "2009-07-30T06:58:33Z")
> [@Crown\_Prince\_of\_Irony](#): > > Maybe it’s an archeological dig of some kind? I did see that around [10-15 miles to the southeast](http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=40%C2%B021%2720.82%22,93%C2%B048%2744.15%22&sll=40.354066,93.813071&sspn=0.021814,0.057807&ie=UTF8&ll=40.355191,93.812175&spn=0.002727,0.007226&t=k&z=18&lci=com.panoramio.all), there are some archeological sites with photos posted. > > This still does not explain the creepy blue buildings though. I thought about the archeology too, after seeing the “ruins of Hecang City” pics on Google Maps. However, there aren’t any similar types of lines or runways near the photos of Hecang City or the photos of the western end of the Great Wall, which you’d think would be the most fertile area for archeology. It also appears that there are popular rock features about 10 miles to the west of this site, too, with lots of pics in Panoramio. The whole area looks really cool (like the desert scenes in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). I wonder how tight the security is up there. ---
**Author:** ![Crown\_Prince\_of\_Irony](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ed655f/32.png) [@Crown\_Prince\_of\_Irony](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crown_Prince_of_Irony)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2009, 7:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-weird-pattern-of-streets-in-china-google-maps/504691/25 "2009-07-30T07:04:01Z")
Oooh, oooh, oooh - I forgot that Google Earth has a “historical imagery” feature that lets you view earlier images. And I [caught](http://lh3.ggpht.com/_eOYAivRbbu0/SnFDK_MW-fI/AAAAAAAAFL8/U0I_XlKowCQ/13%20APR%2005%20Chinasneaky.jpg) [them](http://lh3.ggpht.com/_eOYAivRbbu0/SnFDQM0lXqI/AAAAAAAAFMA/CUJ1FaYBxjY/13%20APR%2005%20Chinasneakycloseup.jpg) in the act! Imagery from April 15th 2005 shows them in the middle of construction - oddly enough, it looks like they’ve either laid down chalk or possibly concrete, and that it has lasted pretty much intact for 4 years in a presumably harsh environment - very odd. ---
**Author:** ![Crown\_Prince\_of\_Irony](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ed655f/32.png) [@Crown\_Prince\_of\_Irony](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crown_Prince_of_Irony)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2009, 7:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-weird-pattern-of-streets-in-china-google-maps/504691/26 "2009-07-30T07:16:48Z")
My wife an I were just discussing this as I pulled the screen grabs - it looks like the [final product](http://lh5.ggpht.com/_eOYAivRbbu0/SnFGpBGDmUI/AAAAAAAAFNQ/_JSqKSqfOJQ/Current%20China.jpg) has some lines that seem to flow with the terrain, like most of those starting at the north of the image, and some lines that seem completely arbitrary, like those on the middle of the west side. Putting my tinfoil hat on, I surmised that maybe the arbitrary lines are actually coded _hanzi_ characters that become apparent when the other, terrain-restricted lines are accounted for. Or maybe I’m just going batshit since it’s late and I’m tired. Either way, I feel like an uber-CIA analyst right now. This is so fun - I think I have a new addiction to replace Battlefield 1943. ---
**Author:** ![Erdosain](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/erdosain/32/7284_2.png) [@Erdosain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Erdosain)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2009, 8:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-weird-pattern-of-streets-in-china-google-maps/504691/27 "2009-07-30T08:01:53Z")
Yes, I totally wish this was my full-time job. The idea about the characters is interesting, though I wonder what could be worth the expense and hassle to write? John 3:16? Ha! For what it’s worth, there is a dam to the south of the site that has characters visible from Google Maps on it, though I’m guessing it translates as something boring like “Peking Hydroelectric Concern, Ltd.” ---
**Author:** ![Gymnopithys](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/fbc32d/32.png) [@Gymnopithys](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gymnopithys)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2009, 9:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-weird-pattern-of-streets-in-china-google-maps/504691/28 "2009-07-30T09:02:32Z")
\*“This still does not explain the creepy blue buildings though.” \* Target buildings. Bomb craters all around. One building hit. White debris around. ---
**Author:** ![Colophon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f05b48/32.png) [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2009, 10:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-weird-pattern-of-streets-in-china-google-maps/504691/29 "2009-07-30T10:06:55Z")
> [@Crown\_Prince\_of\_Irony](#): > > Oooh, oooh, oooh - I forgot that Google Earth has a “historical imagery” feature that lets you view earlier images. And I [caught](http://lh3.ggpht.com/_eOYAivRbbu0/SnFDK_MW-fI/AAAAAAAAFL8/U0I_XlKowCQ/13%20APR%2005%20Chinasneaky.jpg) [them](http://lh3.ggpht.com/_eOYAivRbbu0/SnFDQM0lXqI/AAAAAAAAFMA/CUJ1FaYBxjY/13%20APR%2005%20Chinasneakycloseup.jpg) in the act! > > Imagery from April 15th 2005 shows them in the middle of construction - oddly enough, it looks like they’ve either laid down chalk or possibly concrete, and that it has lasted pretty much intact for 4 years in a presumably harsh environment - very odd. Nice work! The plot thickens. Still, I’m sure the Chinese military isn’t up to anything sinister… 😛 ---
**Author:** ![DSYoungEsq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c6cbf5/32.png) [@DSYoungEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSYoungEsq)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2009, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-weird-pattern-of-streets-in-china-google-maps/504691/30 "2009-07-30T14:27:01Z")
I am getting error messages trying the links from **Crown Prince of Irony**. Google claims they are not on the site! :eek: ---
**Author:** ![runcible\_spoon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9fc29f/32.png) [@runcible\_spoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/runcible_spoon)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2009, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-weird-pattern-of-streets-in-china-google-maps/504691/31 "2009-07-30T15:12:51Z")
**Crown Prince of Irony** just lived up to his username, I think. ---
**Author:** ![Skammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skammer/32/143_2.png) [@Skammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skammer)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2009, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-weird-pattern-of-streets-in-china-google-maps/504691/32 "2009-07-30T15:15:55Z")
> [@Erdosain](#): > > This link from **Colophon** is definitely the creepiest of the bunch: [Google Maps](http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sour)…,0.004292&z=18 > Nothing good is happening under those blue roofs! When I click that link it brings up an image of MY HOUSE! :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![Colophon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f05b48/32.png) [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2009, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-weird-pattern-of-streets-in-china-google-maps/504691/33 "2009-07-30T15:23:12Z")
> [@Skammer](#): > > When I click that link it brings up an image of MY HOUSE! :dubious: Yeah the copied link is futzed so it shows the last map you viewed (or something). The link I originally posted is fine: https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=40.489205,93.500184&sll=40.489398,93.500326&sspn=0.0039,0.006899&g=40.489205,93.500184&ie=UTF8&t=k&ll=40.490998,93.510352&spn=0.002513,0.004292&z=18 ---
**Author:** ![Hypnagogic\_Jerk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hypnagogic_jerk/32/4252_2.png) [@Hypnagogic\_Jerk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hypnagogic_Jerk)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2009, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-weird-pattern-of-streets-in-china-google-maps/504691/34 "2009-07-30T15:33:26Z")
> [@DSYoungEsq](#): > > I am getting error messages trying the links from **Crown Prince of Irony**. Google claims they are not on the site! :eek: Hit refresh (or click on the address bar and hit enter). ---
**Author:** ![Crown\_Prince\_of\_Irony](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ed655f/32.png) [@Crown\_Prince\_of\_Irony](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crown_Prince_of_Irony)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2009, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-weird-pattern-of-streets-in-china-google-maps/504691/35 "2009-07-30T16:09:24Z")
> [@DSYoungEsq](#): > > I am getting error messages trying the links from **Crown Prince of Irony**. Google claims they are not on the site! :eek: > [@Hypnagogic\_Jerk](#): > > Hit refresh (or click on the address bar and hit enter). That’s odd - last night they were coming up fine for me. But **Hypnagogic** is right - now you have to hit refresh to get the image to show up. I linked directly to them from my picasaweb account which doesn’t expose the rest of my picasa albums - I could have just put them in a public album, but I don’t want want the Chinese to have ready access to pictures of my house and family. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![DSYoungEsq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c6cbf5/32.png) [@DSYoungEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSYoungEsq)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2009, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-weird-pattern-of-streets-in-china-google-maps/504691/36 "2009-07-30T16:27:57Z")
> [@Hypnagogic\_Jerk](#): > > Hit refresh (or click on the address bar and hit enter). Thanks 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Troy\_McClure\_SF](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troy_mcclure_sf/32/4150_2.png) [@Troy\_McClure\_SF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Troy_McClure_SF)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2009, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-weird-pattern-of-streets-in-china-google-maps/504691/37 "2009-07-30T20:25:24Z")
> [@MrSquishy](#): > > Sounds like a good guess. But I bet there are less conspicuous ways to do that. It seems kind of weird they’d “ruin” that whole tile for that purpose. It [wouldn’t be unheard of](http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/1058/do-maps-have-copyright-traps-to-permit-detection-of-unauthorized-copies). ---
**Author:** ![MrSquishy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b9e5f3/32.png) [@MrSquishy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrSquishy)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2009, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-weird-pattern-of-streets-in-china-google-maps/504691/38 "2009-07-30T22:09:28Z")
> [@Hypnagogic\_Jerk](#): > > Hit refresh (or click on the address bar and hit enter). Or replace the spaces in the URLs with %20. Your way is easier though. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2009, 10:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-weird-pattern-of-streets-in-china-google-maps/504691/39 "2009-07-30T22:16:24Z")
What’s the matter with you people - don’t you recognize the Chinese character for “Kilroy was here”? ---
**Author:** ![DSYoungEsq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c6cbf5/32.png) [@DSYoungEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSYoungEsq)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2009, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-weird-pattern-of-streets-in-china-google-maps/504691/40 "2009-07-30T22:36:37Z")
> [@Bryan\_Ekers](#): > > What’s the matter with you people - don’t you recognize the Chinese character for “Kilroy was here”? Win. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-weird-pattern-of-streets-in-china-google-maps/504691.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-this-weird-pattern-of-streets-in-china-google-maps/504691.md?page=3)