In a lot of ways you could call 2014 the year of the drone. Back in the mists of ancient 2013 no one could afford a drone, but nowadays everyone’s got one in their back pocket. I don’t know whether that’s a particularly awesome thing or not but it’s given us some nice videos to watch which is something I guess.

We’ve seen Chernobyl from the eye-line of a drone, the first ever drone porn movie and a kangaroo smashing a drone out of the sky. And that’s just the start.

Below is a compilation of some of the most impressive drone based photos of last year. It’s all good. Enjoy:

1) Sofia, Bulgaria

100th anniversary celebrations of two of the country’s biggest soccer teams in Sofia, Bulgaria

2) Annecy, France

Annecy, AKA the Venice of the Alps.

3) Bali Barat National Park, Indonesia

It looks to me like that bird of prey might be ready to strike. We’ve seen that type of action before. I’m not sure these predators of the sky are as keen on drones as the rest of us.

4) Karakorum, Pakistan

The otherworldly looking Baltoro Glacier. Nippy but nice.

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5) Bourtange, Holland

Bourtange, in eastern Netherlands, has for some reason been built in the shape of a star. I would be jealous but I’m assuming it floods regularly.

6) Sydney, Australia

Circular Quay.

7) El Dorado County, California

8) Fatehpur Sikri, India

9) Hlinsko, Czech Republic

10) Iquitos, Peru

11)  Katskhi Pillar, Georgia

In case you’re wondering, the little house on the top is inhabited by a hermit who’s been chilling up there (probably baked out of his mind) for decades.

12) Athens, Greece

13) Pisa, Italy

14) Philadelphia, USA

Marines in Philadelphia prepare for a wreath-laying ceremony

15) Mougins, France

16) Sion, Switzerland

17) Niagara Falls, Canada

18) Philadelphia, USA

19) Espirito Santo, Brazil

20) Abkhazia, Russia

21) Sacre-Coeur, Paris

23) Manila, Philippines

24) Seljalandsfoss, Iceland

25) Brighton, UK

26) Tahaa Lagoon, French Polynesia

27) San Luis Potosi, Mexico

28) Temple Expiatori del Sagrat Cor Church in Barcelona

29) Les Gorges Du Verdon, France

 Theo Sanson walks on a 280 feet long highline at 980 feet of altitude in Les Gorges Du Verdon in France. Nutter.

30) Varazze, Italy

I’d imagine that a Santa outfit would be pretty heavy when it was soaked in sea water. It’s not as mental as surfing in a Siberian snow storm though.