Gallery: Brilliant Maps Reveal Age of the World's Buildings

  • Image may contain Art
    01

    Portland

    *Portland, by Justin Palmer ([@caged)](https://twitter.com/caged). Explore the [interactive map](http://labratrevenge.com/pdx/#12/45.4800/-122.6706) and learn about [how and why he made the map](http://dealloc.me/2013/06/30/the-making-of-pdx.html).*
  • Image may contain Purple
    02

    Portland Close Up

    *Portland, by Justin Palmer ([@caged)](https://twitter.com/caged). Explore the [interactive map](http://labratrevenge.com/pdx/#12/45.4800/-122.6706) and learn about [how and why he made the map](http://dealloc.me/2013/06/30/the-making-of-pdx.html).*
  • Image may contain Word and Text
    03

    Brooklyn

    *Brooklyn, by [Thomas Rhiel](http://thomasrhiel.com/) ([@thomasrhiel](https://twitter.com/thomasrhiel)). Explore the [interactive map](http://bklynr.com/block-by-block-brooklyns-past-and-present/).*
  • Image may contain Diagram Plan Plot and Word
    04

    Brooklyn Close Up

    *Brooklyn, by [Thomas Rhiel](http://thomasrhiel.com/) ([@thomasrhiel](https://twitter.com/thomasrhiel)). Explore the [interactive map](http://bklynr.com/block-by-block-brooklyns-past-and-present/).*
  • Image may contain Outdoors Scenery Nature Landscape Art and Aerial View
    05

    The Netherlands

    *The Netherlands, by the [Waag Society](http://waag.org/nl) ([@waag)](https://twitter.com/waag). Explore the [interactive map](http://dev.citysdk.waag.org/buildings/).*
  • Image may contain Lighting and Art
    06

    The Netherlands Close Up

    *The Netherlands, by the [Waag Society](http://waag.org/nl) ([@waag)](https://twitter.com/waag). Explore the [interactive map](http://dev.citysdk.waag.org/buildings/).*
  • Image may contain Plot Diagram and Map
    07

    Ljubljana

    *Ljubljana, Slovenia by Marko Plahuta ([@virostatiq](https://twitter.com/Virostatiq)). [Learn about this map](http://virostatiq.com/structure-ages-in-ljubljana-slovenia/), explore the [interactive map](http://www.virostatiq.com/data/ljubljana-building-ages/) and watch a video of [Ljubljana grow from 1500 to 2013](http://vimeo.com/72249300).*
  • Image may contain Urban Building and Neighborhood
    08

    Ljubljana Close Up

    *Ljubljana, Slovenia by Marko Plahuta ([@virostatiq](https://twitter.com/Virostatiq)). [Learn about this map](http://virostatiq.com/structure-ages-in-ljubljana-slovenia/), explore the [interactive map](http://www.virostatiq.com/data/ljubljana-building-ages/) and watch a video of [Ljubljana grow from 1500 to 2013](http://vimeo.com/72249300).*
  • Image may contain Bird and Animal
    09

    New York City

    *New York City, by Brandon Liu ([@bdon)](https://twitter.com/bdon). Learn about [how this map was made](http://bdon.org/2013/05/25/new-york-building-footprint-data-in-tilemill/), about the [data behind this map](http://bdon.org/2013/06/29/working-with-pluto-and-pad/) and explore the [interactive map](http://bdon.org/2013/09/12/building-age-nyc/).*
  • Image may contain Art Lighting and Stained Glass
    10

    NYC Close Up

    *New York City, by Brandon Liu ([@bdon)](https://twitter.com/bdon). Learn about [how this map was made](http://bdon.org/2013/05/25/new-york-building-footprint-data-in-tilemill/), about the [data behind this map](http://bdon.org/2013/06/29/working-with-pluto-and-pad/) and explore the [interactive map](http://bdon.org/2013/09/12/building-age-nyc/).*
  • Image may contain Diagram Map Plot and Plan
    11

    The Netherlands

    *The Netherlands, by [Steven Ottens](http://research.geodan.nl/about/) ([@stvno)](https://twitter.com/stvno). Explore the [interactive map](http://bag.edugis.nl/) (which lets you scroll through the years), and [this version](http://bag.edugis.nl/index2.html), which lets you select a specific time period.*
  • Image may contain Landscape Outdoors Nature Scenery Panoramic City Town Urban Building Metropolis and Aerial View
    12

    Reykjavik

    *Reykjavik, Iceland, by Matt Riggott. Learn about [how this map was made](http://flother.is/2013/reykjavik-age/details/) and explore the [interactive map](http://flother.is/2013/reykjavik-age/#13/64.1298/-21.8958).*
  • Image may contain Pac Man
    13

    Reykjavik Close Up

    *Reykjavik, Iceland, by Matt Riggott. Learn about [how this map was made](http://flother.is/2013/reykjavik-age/details/) and explore the [interactive map](http://flother.is/2013/reykjavik-age/#13/64.1298/-21.8958).*
Read More
The Best Automatic Litter Boxes Tested by Our Spoiled Cats
With these high-tech automatic litter boxes, gone are the days of scooping and smells. Welcome to the future.
Molly Higgins
The Best Greens Powders for Drinking Your Veggies
I did the research and taste-testing to find the best greens powders worth your money. Bloom Nutrition’s Superfood Greens Powder is my tried-and-true pick.
Louryn Strampe
Give Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office Chairs
Sitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.
Julian Chokkattu
20 Best Gifts for Men, Manly Men, and Menly Man Men
When you need something that’s as mannishly masculinized as you can get for the Man™ in your life, we have you covered.
Matthew Korfhage
The Best Qi2 and MagSafe Wireless Chargers for Your Phone
Top up your Qi2 Android phone or MagSafe iPhone with a magnetic wireless charging stand, pad, car charger, or power bank.
Simon Hill
The Best Drip Coffee Makers Now Rival Café Pour-Over
The old-fashioned drip coffee maker has come a long way. These impressive machines can turn your barista into a stranger.
Matthew Korfhage
The Best Mattresses You Can Buy Online in 2026
WIRED has tested 100-plus bed-in-a-box mattresses for a week each. Our top pick, the Helix Midnight Luxe hybrid, is the best bed you can buy online.
Julia Forbes
Give Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office Chairs
Sitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.
Julian Chokkattu
Give Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office Chairs
Sitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.
Julian Chokkattu
The Best Hiking Boots and Shoes for Any Adventure
From strenuous hikes and serious summits to weekend rambles in the park, these boots help you make the most of your time outdoors.
Chris Haslam
The Best iPhone 17 Cases and Accessories—We’ve Tested More Than 100
Protect your expensive iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone Pro, or iPhone 17e with our favorite cases and screen protectors.
Julian Chokkattu
The Best Portable Power Stations for Blackouts, Camping, or Van Life
Whether you’re going off-grid or safeguarding against blackouts, these beefy, WIRED-tested batteries can keep the lights on.
Simon Hill