This ERS-2 PRI radar multicolour composite image shows the Panama Canal, a vital waterway in Central America that links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Created by connecting Gatum and Alajuela lakes (the top left of the image), the canal enables ships to bypass the South American continent. Panama City is visible at the canal's end, while the Chagres River (the top right image) provides water for its operation.

• Image 1: Instrument: ERS Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) with Advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (ASAR), Dates of Acquisition: Red: 16 March 2004, Green: 12 Jan 1999, Blue: 14 Oct 1997, Instrument features: 25 metre resolution, Orbit number: 19504, Orbit Direction: Descending, Orbit numbers: 10686, 19504, 12991, Frames: 3429