31 Stunning Photos Taken by Drones Show Us Our World Like We've Never Seen It Before

Impact

When it comes to photography, no machine can compare to the impeccable eye of the artist. But for some pictures, drones — yes, the same automated flying gadgets known primarily for their use in warfare — come out on top. Literally.

Drones are able to go where few humans can. They zoom over cities, landmarks and unfriendly terrain, giving us an unrivaled look at some of the most incredible places in the world. On Dronestagr.am, an image- and video-based social platform for drone enthusiasts, the best of the best come out to play. "Share your best aerial pictures and let's build a world map of our Earth with a bird's-eye view," the site challenges. 

What initially began as a Web platform has since expanded to include an Instagram account, Facebook page, Twitter profile and an app. Last year, Dronestagr.am even partnered with National Geographic to hold a photo contest.

What the shots lack in the sparkling resolution of traditional digital photography they make up for in wild perspectives. Below, we've put together some of the best.    

1. Annecy, France

drone-cs/Dronestagram

2. Alhambra, Spain

migueljavalos/Dronestagram

3. The Leaning Tower of Pisa

kolibik-foto/Dronestagram

4. Atrium of an apartment building, Singapore

jericsaniel/Dronestagram

5. The Eiffel Tower

romeoch/Dronestagram

6. Coco Palm Bodu Hithi, Maldives

Badruddeen/Dronestagram

7. Eagle flying over Bali Barat National Park, Indonesia

capungaero/Dronestagram

This photo was the winner of the Dronestagr.am/National Geographic photo contest.

8. Heroes' Monument, Caraiman Mountains, Romania

Stefan Marinica/Dronestagram

9. Weeping Rock, Zion, Utah

romeoch/Dronestagram

10. Niagara Falls

kolibik-foto/Dronestagram

11. Big Sur, California

romeoch/Dronestagram

12. Sydney Harbor Bridge, Australia

nivong/Dronestagram

13. Lake Annecy, France

Wooloomooloo/Dronestagram

14. Loyalty Islands, New Caledonia

LudoVic/Dronestagram

15. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

PIKTair/Dronestagram

16. Lisya Gora, Russia

SNUFF FPV/Dronestagram

17. Florida Keys, Florida

amkeene/Dronestagram

18. Aigues-Mortes, France

Wooloomooloo/Dronestagram

19. Herrsching, Germany

Luftbild-One/Dronestagram

20. Strasbourg, France

rennestv/Dronestagram

21. Balneário Camboriú, Brazil

LoveMyJob/Dronestagram

22. Le Dézaley, Switzerland

looka/Dronestagram

23. Guaratuba, Brazil

diogoglovatski/Dronestagram

24. Teahupo'o, Tahiti

kalou974/Dronestagram

25. Iquitos, Peru

Moritz Ott/Dronestagram

26. Marseille, France

princehamlet/Dronestagram

27. Venice, Italy

Dronestagram

28. Voorhout, the Netherlands

anders@andersa.com/Dronestagram

29. Chamonix, France

dronealps/Dronestagram

30. Auckland, New Zealand

Eclyps/Dronestagram

31. Prague

kobilik-foto/Dronestagram

Dronestagr.am even has you covered on video: Tour New York City, peek over Niagara Falls, surf in Hawaii, get up close with a volcano, ride with whales or relax on a beach in the Maldives.