This year marks the fourth annual photo contest from DigitalGlobe, a provider of commercial high-resolution satellite photography, which has collected 25 of its most eye-popping photos of Earth's surface that have been taken throughout the year.

The industries DigitalGlobe serves show up in this collection, as many feature mining, oil and gas and agricultural operations around the world, as well as scenes from the Netherlands' North Sea Protection Works, whose massive storm surge barriers make it possible for the small northern European country (much of which lies below sea level) to hold back the waters of the North Sea.

This year, the company invites fans to vote on their favorites among the 25 photos above on its Facebook and Twitter pages throughout December. The top five photos of 2014 will be revealed in early January.

For more info, visit the DigitalGlobe blog.