Final answer:
The Nazca civilization in Peru created geoglyphs on a desert plateau, which are best seen from above and include large animal figures like spiders and hummingbirds.
Step-by-step explanation:
The civilization known for etching giant patterns into a plateau, visible only from high elevations or from the air, is the Nazca civilization. These patterns, known as geoglyphs, were created on the high desert plateau in Peru and are best observed from overhead, which has led to much speculation about their purpose since they were made more than 2000 years ago. The Nazca people drew these elaborate designs on the desert floor near the city of Cahuachi, their ceremonial center. Among the most famous Nazca geoglyphs are the shapes of animals such as the spider and the hummingbird, with some over 300 feet in length.