MegaWorld (2008)

This fascinating one-hour special takes a closer look at how Spanish advancements in various industries are shaping European science and technology. From innovations in the areas of solar energy to high-tech developments in auto engineering, this special goes inside the fastest, coolest and biggest projects coming out of Spain.

Switzerland is a tiny country making a huge impact in the world of science and technology; visit the worlds biggest science experiment; a homemade rocket-propelled 'wing' strapped to a sky diver; the biggest fireworks display in Europe.

A whole continent in one country, Australia is a vast landscape best known for its natural beauty. It is also a place where technological and scientific innovation thrives. Highlights include the manufacturing of the world's biggest truck. Called a "road train", this monster is a unique solution to moving goods across the vast Australian landscape. Take a ride on the world's biggest motorcycle as rolls right over a mobile home, and go deep into the "Super Pit" - the biggest open pit gold mine in the country where up to 28 tons of gold is blasted out of the rock every year.

Focusing on the western half of the country, this fascinating special takes a closer look at how American scientists and engineers are leading the way in aviation, shipbuilding and civil engineering. San Francisco's quake-prone Bay Bridge is undergoing a mega safety upgrade that will see half the bridge demolished and replaced with the longest self-anchored suspension span in the world. Follow the logistical ballet of unloading tens of thousands of containers every day at the nation's busiest port. Join the Air Force on an unusual rescue mission as they fly a zoo elephant from Alaska to retirement in California on board a C-17, the only aircraft big enough for the job. Other engineering marvels include the first football stadium in North America with a retractable playing field and a Volkswagen Beetle souped-up with a jet engine for an extra 1350 horsepower.

The United Arab Emirates is a place of contradictions where traditional Bedouins live next to glittering cities with the tallest and most expensive buildings in the world. Dubai is the world's fastest growing city. Anything is possible here from camel-riding robots to downhill skiing indoors on real snow. Futuristic skyscrapers rise at breakneck speed on land that was desert only a few years ago. "MegaWorld: Dubai" will take you inside the newest and most innovative projects in this architectural and engineering wonderland.

MegaWorld Hawaii exposes the amazing technology and science of one of the world's most popular vacation destinations. We catch up with Japanese extreme-sailor, Kenichi Horie, as he attempts a Guinness world record trip from Hawaii to Japan aboard the world's most advanced wave-powered boat. Then we burn our feet mapping the flowing lava from the world's most active volcano, in the accompaniment of Jim K, Hawaii's foremost expert on volcanoes. We watch the world's most powerful underwater vacuum, Hawaii's "Super Sucker", as it sucks alien algae off the ocean floor, and then travel even deeper underwater in a high-tech manned submersible. And that's just a start - from sand to surf, we'll expose Hawaii like you've never seen it before.

Discover cutting edge innovations in science and technology from across the Great White North. Step inside the state-of-the-art facilities where Canada's coolest and fastest aerospace and transportation exports are developed, manufactured and tested. Other possible stories include diamond mining in the Northwest Territories, and the epic ice road that must be built every year to haul the 300,000 tons of fuel, explosives, steel and concrete needed to operate the mines.

There’s a lot more to Austria than Mozart and the Von Trapp singers. Travel to the top of the Austrian Alps to see how a ski resort protects itself from deadly avalanches; watch World Champion air racer Hannes Arch pull 12 Gs in his aircraft as he trains for the upcoming season; and witness armoured vehicles survive the most violent explosions. Other stories include the world’s most unique automobile assembly line, the largest and most powerful airport rescue vehicle and a factory that makes the longest train rails in the world.

Poland’s long and tumultuous history, by necessity, has given rise to incredible technology. Follow a team of detectives in the Sowie Mountains as they try to crack the mystery of a huge underground maze of tunnels built by the Nazis. See bomb disposal experts find and detonate Second World War explosives that still litter the country. Other stories include Poland’s rush to complete four new stadiums in time for the Euro 2012 soccer tournament; a company that makes the world’s largest luxury catamarans; a trip to Poland’s own Hollywood-style stunt school; and an amazing journey down into a 900 year-old salt mine – home to the largest underground cathedral in the world.

Czech Republic has a long history of innovative engineering. See how they are meeting the challenges of building Europe’s longest automobile tunnel right underneath the historic city of Prague. Go behind the scenes for exclusive access to the world’s largest castle in downtown Prague. Watch European Truck Racing champion try to regain his title. Other stories include a Czech company that makes the best plastic explosives; the largest earth-moving excavator in Europe; and the biggest beer spa in the world.

In Denmark: an automated parking lot; the nation's longest bridge. Also: a rocket launch from a floating pad is attempted.

South Korea is currently ranked as the most innovative country in the world. Our mega journey begins at one of the most technologically advanced LED monitor factories on the planet. We then take to the seas to see how the world's largest shipbuilder has developed an amazing new method for constructing ships. Discover one of the busiest subway systems in the world, and the high-tech command centre that's designed to keep everything on the rails. We'll also visit the largest auto assembly plant in the world.