Modern remote sensing from space, which today offers spatial resolutions of up to 15 cm and, in principle, daily repeat rates, makes it possible to document changes to the Earth’s surface with a high degree of precision. This makes it possible to document the spatial manifestations of developments such as armed conflicts, refugee camps, population and settlement trends in border regions, the demolition of informal slum areas and similar phenomena. This lecture will highlight and critically examine the technological potential, risks and ethical concerns associated with this technology.