Google Earth
Google Earth is a desktop and mobile virtual globe software that renders a 3D representation of the Earth. It allows users to view satellite imagery, maps, 3D terrain, panoramic street-level imagery, and real-time weather and sun positioning data. Users can view locations around
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Google Earth: Virtual Globe Software
View satellite imagery, maps, 3D terrain & more on a virtual globe with real-time weather & sun data. Explore the world in 3D with Google Earth.
What is Google Earth?
Google Earth is a geobrowser that accesses satellite and aerial imagery, ocean bathymetry, and other geographic data over the internet to represent the Earth as a three-dimensional globe. It was originally developed by Keyhole, Inc., a company acquired by Google in 2004.
Google Earth allows users to search for addresses and coordinates, enter tours, view images from different angles, and produce flythroughs of locations. It serves as a catalog of the world through extensive features such as 3D terrain with building models, historical imagery, coordinate labeled roads and borders, and embedded media. Layers can display data on topics like cities and landmarks, weather radar, traffic conditions, hiking trails, and Wikipedia articles/photos of select locations.
Some key features and capabilities of Google Earth include:
- View high-resolution satellite and aerial imagery for any location around the globe
- Smoothly move around the 3D landscape with easy mouse or touchscreen navigation
- Measure distances between locations or create custom areas and paths
- View detailed 3D city models for hundreds of major metropolitan cities
- Access information from Wikipedia articles, photos, and user reviews about many locations
- View documentary videos embedded at relevant geographic locations
- View dynamic overlays like real-time traffic conditions and weather radar
Google Earth combines powerful, high-end 3D visualization capabilities on desktop systems with a model centered around user interaction and sharing location-based experiences across the internet and mobile platforms. It allows anyone to explore and understand the geography of the Earth in an engaging way.
Google Earth Features
Features
- 3D satellite imagery
- Street view
- Navigation tools
- Layer data
- Real-time weather data
- Sun positioning data
- Ability to view locations globally
Pricing
- Freemium
Pros
Highly detailed satellite imagery
Intuitive navigation
Powerful visualization tools
Educational and informative
Integrates well with other Google services
Cons
Requires constant internet connection
Can be resource intensive
Limited customization options
Some features require payment
Official Links
The Best Google Earth Alternatives
Top Travel & Location and Maps & Navigation and other similar apps like Google Earth
Here are some alternatives to Google Earth:
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