A Google Maps satellite captured these images of bizarre structures and patterns on the surface of Gobi desert in China.

The internet is abuzz with guesses and conspiracy theories about the purpose and meaning of the designs, throwing out ideas such as military practice compounds, QR codes, China's version of Area 51, and military satellite targets. Whatever they turn out to be, the images and patterns are fantastical. It makes you wonder what other secrets Google satellites will uncover—they're like the Wikileaks of mapping.

Some other hand-picked posts you might enjoy on our Design Blog:

Postcards from Google Earth by Clement Valla
A Sense of Patterns: Travel and Commuting Visualized
The Embedded Project: Architectural and Interactive Illustration

Via The Daily Mail