Exploring change: Las Vegas

The city of Las Vegas, Nevada, is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the United States. The city's population has sharply increased over the last few decades, and its footprint has vastly expanded. You'll explore how the city has changed from 2000 to 2020 with Landsat satellite imagery.

Swipe app

Use the app below to explore how the City of Las Vegas has changed between 2000 and 2020.

  • Swipe from left to right to visually compare the 2000 and 2020 imagery.
  • Zoom in and out to look at more details. Or click Home to go back to the original view.

Comparing the City of Las Vegas in 2000 (left) and 2020 (right).

The multispectral Landsat imagery is displayed with the Agriculture band combination. Healthy vegetation appears in bright green. Built-up areas appear in purple, or gray-green tones where there is a mix of buildings and vegetation. Bare soil appears in light brown-yellow tones, and water in dark blue or black.

Things to try 

  • Can you recognize the different types of features? (Built-up areas, vegetation, desert land around the city, streets, water bodies.)
  • What has changed? Where has urban development occurred? 
  • Have some vegetation areas (in bright green) increased? Why do you think that is?
  • How have some of the bodies of water changed? What could be the explanation for these changes? (You can pan to the better see the Colorado river system east of the city.)