geometry and land patterns

you just gotta love Google maps and the vast amount of aerial photography that has been made accessible. In a culture increasing dominated by cities and suburbs, it is instructive to take a flyover via Google maps.  The patterns of topography and hydrology, roads and towns are occasionally broken by striking moments of clear, simple geometries.

circular irrigation, San Luis Valley

circular irrigation, San Luis Valley

The photo above is from Colorado's San Luis Valley showing the patterns created by circular irrigation systems.

rectangular fields, eastern Colorado

rectangular fields, eastern Colorado

Above, again in Colorado, this time the eastern plains and the patterns of irrigation and dryland farming (long rectangular strips make better use of the geometries of planting and harvesting equipment)

field patterns, North Dakota

field patterns, North Dakota

Above, yet more high plains farming, this time in North Dakota, and alternating directions of large combine harvested wheat fields.