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 the world, explore in a 3D view, and access data layers such as transportation networks and populated places.

Google Earth alternatives ➤

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.

Official Links

Official Website
earth.google.com

The Best Google Earth Alternatives

Top Apps like Google Earth

Google Street View, OpenStreetMap, HERE WeGo, Modest Maps, Organic Maps, Bing Maps 3D, WorldWide Telescope, FATMAP, NASA World Wind, uebermaps, Zoom Earth, TransforMap, TerraExplorer, MapQuest, Google Earth VR, KStars, Earth Browser, Wikimapia, Marble, Map Pad, Yandex Maps, Earth View from Google Earth, Mapline, 2GIS, Earth 3D, GNOME Maps, WinStars, Hyperlapse Map, MapSphere, Flash Earth, Transportr, Aciqra, GMap.NET, OffRoad OSM, pTolemy3D, Yahoo! Maps, Emerillon, Relief Maps, Old Maps Online, QTViewer, eyeMaps, Tagzania, MapQuery, Urthecast are some alternatives to Google Earth.

Sugggest an alternative ❐

Google Street View

Google Street View is a technology featured in Google Maps and Google Earth that provides interactive panoramic views from positions along many streets in the world. It was launched in 2007 originally only for a few cities in the United States, but has expanded to include cities and rural areas worldwide...

OpenStreetMap

OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a collaborative project to create a free and editable map of the world. Unlike proprietary map data from companies like Google or Apple, OSM map data is open and licensed under the Open Database License (ODbL), which allows anyone to use, modify, and distribute the data freely...

HERE WeGo

HERE WeGo is a free map and navigation app developed by HERE Technologies for iOS and Android devices. It allows users to navigate by car, public transportation, foot or bike using turn-by-turn voice guided directions. Key features of HERE WeGo include:Offline maps - Download maps to your device so...

Modest Maps

Modest Maps is an open source JavaScript mapping library designed for easily embedding interactive maps into web pages. Some key features of Modest Maps include:Lightweight and customizable - Only about 6KB when minified and gzippedSupports various map tile sources including OpenStreetMap, MapQuest, and CloudMadeProvides API for basic interactions like...

Organic Maps

Organic Maps is an open-source, privacy-focused maps and navigation application for Android devices. Developed by Organic Maps Foundation, it provides an alternative to proprietary map apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps.Some key features of Organic Maps include:Turn-by-turn navigation with voice guidanceAbility to download maps for offline useRoute...

Bing Maps 3D

Bing Maps 3D is a 3D mapping platform from Microsoft that provides interactive maps and location intelligence services. It is part of the Bing Maps product suite.Some key features of Bing Maps 3D include:Interactive 3D map views with support for aerial, road, and hybrid map stylesAbility to incorporate...

WorldWide Telescope

WorldWide Telescope (WWT) is a free, open-source planetarium software program originally developed by Microsoft Research. It allows users to explore and visualize the universe in 3D using real data and imagery from ground and space-based telescopes.Some key features of WorldWide Telescope include:Interactive 3D views of the night sky...

FATMAP

FATMAP is an outdoor navigation app and website designed specifically for adventure sports enthusiasts like hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, and backcountry skiers. It provides interactive 3D mapping with detailed topographic data to help users safely plan and navigate routes in mountainous and backcountry areas.Key features of FATMAP include...

NASA World Wind

NASA World Wind is an open source, cross-platform virtual globe software that allows users to visualize the Earth and its terrain in 3D. Developed by NASA, it provides a detailed and interactive view of the planet using NASA satellite imagery and aerial photography.Key features of NASA World Wind include...

Uebermaps

Uebermaps is an open-source web application that allows users to create fully customizable maps that can be shared online. It is self-hosted, meaning you download and install it on your own server or website.Some key features of Uebermaps include:Add custom markers, lines, polygons to a mapAnnotate points of...

Zoom Earth

Zoom Earth is an interactive, real-time map of the planet that uses high-resolution satellite imagery and other geographical data to create a detailed and customizable view of locations around the world. Users can zoom in from space all the way to street level, tracking everything from weather systems to city...

TransforMap

TransforMap is a free, open-source mind mapping and brainstorming software. It allows users to visually organize ideas, tasks, projects, and other information with the flexibility of a mind map interface.With TransforMap, users can:Create branching mind maps to break down large concepts and projects into an organized structureConnect related...

TerraExplorer

TerraExplorer is a powerful 3D GIS software solution developed by Skyline Software Systems. It enables users to import, analyze, and visualize complex 3D geospatial data from a variety of sources including GIS, CAD, BIM, and point clouds.With TerraExplorer, users can create highly accurate and realistic 3D environments by overlaying...

MapQuest

MapQuest is a free online mapping service launched in 1996 that provides users with driving directions, traffic conditions, route planning, and interactive maps. It was one of the first and most popular online mapping sites before the rise of Google Maps and Bing Maps.Key features of MapQuest include:Driving directions...

Google Earth VR

Google Earth VR is a virtual reality application developed by Google that allows users to explore the planet through an immersive 3D environment. It works with VR headsets like the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and Windows Mixed Reality headsets to give users the experience of flying over cities, landmarks, and...

KStars

KStars is a powerful open source desktop planetarium software for Linux and other UNIX-like systems. It provides an accurate graphical simulation of the night sky, from any location on Earth, at any date and time. KStars enables users to visualize the positions of stars, planets, comets, supernova remnants and more...

Earth Browser

Earth Browser is an interactive 3D globe software program that provides a highly detailed visualization of planet Earth by integrating a wide range of geographic datasets. It enables users to explore the Earth's surface, oceans, atmosphere, and outer space in an immersive and customizable 3D environment.Key features of Earth...

Wikimapia

Wikimapia is a free, online map and satellite imaging resource that combines the functionality of Google Maps with a wiki component that allows users to add information, edits, and notes to any location in the world.Launched in 2006, Wikimapia aims to create a highly detailed, user-generated world map. The goal...

Marble

Marble is a free and open source note taking application designed specifically for Linux desktop environments like KDE Plasma and GNOME. It provides a simple yet effective way to create rich text notes, tackle checklists, set reminders, and organize your notes into notebooks.Some of the key features of Marble...

Map Pad

Map Pad is a free, open-source note-taking and information management software that provides an alternative to commercial options like Microsoft OneNote or Evernote. It uses an interactive and customizable map interface to help users visually organize their notes and information.With Map Pad, all your notes, documents, links and media...

Yandex Maps

Yandex Maps is a free online map service developed by Yandex, a Russian multinational technology company specializing in Internet-related services and products. Yandex Maps offers highly detailed and searchable maps, turn-by-turn navigation, public transit information, traffic data, and 360-degree panoramic street view images for over 220 countries around the world.The...

Earth View from Google Earth

Earth View from Google Earth is a free browser extension available for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge that changes your new tab page to showcase gorgeous satellite photos of places around the world sourced from Google Earth. When you open a new tab, you'll be greeted with a breathtaking high resolution...

Mapline

Mapline is an open-source, self-hosted web application that allows users to create custom maps for free. It is an alternative to proprietary services like Google My Maps.Some key features of Mapline include:Ability to add markers, lines, shapes, and text notes to your mapsSupport for multiple layers on a...

2GIS

2GIS is a popular free map, local search and business directory mobile app and website operating in over 1800 cities across Russia, CIS, Europe, Asia and other countries. It offers detailed interactive maps, local business listings, navigation, reviews and other local information.Some key features of 2GIS include:Detailed vector maps...

Earth 3D

Earth 3D is an interactive 3D simulation of Planet Earth developed by Rephlexions. It renders a highly detailed virtual globe using real satellite imagery and topographic data to showcase an accurate model of Earth's terrain, oceans, and cloud cover.With Earth 3D, users can freely navigate around the planet to...

GNOME Maps

GNOME Maps is a mapping and navigation application built for the Linux GNOME desktop environment. Developed as part of the GNOME project, it is free and open source software.GNOME Maps allows users to view different map layers, including street maps, satellite imagery, and terrain. It has basic functionality like...

WinStars

WinStars is a feature-rich desktop customization program for Windows that gives users full control over customizing the look and feel of their desktop. It comes packed with thousands of free themes, icon packs, wallpapers, screensavers, cursors, fonts, and visual styles to completely transform the aesthetic of your Windows desktop.With...

Hyperlapse Map

Hyperlapse Map is a mobile app that makes time-lapse videography simple and accessible. It utilizes a phone's camera and GPS to capture timelapses that can be mapped to the route traveled.To use the app, you simply open it and press record as you walk, drive, or move along any...

MapSphere

MapSphere is an open-source web mapping platform designed for creating custom interactive maps. It provides a user-friendly editor that allows users without GIS expertise to easily visualize various types of data on maps.Key features of MapSphere include:Intuitive drag-and-drop editor for adding vector and raster data layersCustom base maps...

Flash Earth

Flash Earth is a free, interactive 3D globe developed using Adobe Flash. It allows users to visually explore the Earth through high-resolution satellite imagery and aerial photography.Some key features of Flash Earth include:Seamless, zoomable maps from space down to street level3D terrain showing topological features like mountains...

Transportr

Transportr is an open-source public transportation app for Android devices. It is designed to help users search, plan, and navigate public transit systems in cities around the world.Some key features of Transportr include:Intuitive user interface for searching routes, planning trips, and viewing schedules and maps.Support for public...

Aciqra

Aciqra is a software platform designed for business intelligence and data analytics. It provides organizations with tools to collect, store, analyze, and visualize data from multiple sources in order to gain important insights and help inform decision-making.Some key features of Aciqra include:Data integration - Connect to a wide...

GMap.NET

GMap.NET is an open source .NET control that allows embedding interactive maps from providers like Google, Bing, OpenStreetMap, WikiMapia, Yandex, ArcGIS and more into .NET applications. It was created in 2008 by Jan Mojžíš and is distributed under the LGPL license.Some key features of GMap.NET include:Support for...

OffRoad OSM

OffRoad OSM is an open source GPS navigation app designed specifically for off-road use. It works offline using downloaded OpenStreetMap maps so you can navigate trails and rural roads even without cell service or wifi.Some key features of OffRoad OSM include:Works completely offline for navigation in remote areasUses...

PTolemy3D

pTolemy3D is a free, open-source 3D modeling and animation suite. It provides a complete set of tools for creating 3D content, including modeling, texturing, animation, rendering, and more.Some key features of pTolemy3D include:Intuitive user interface and workflow designed specifically for 3D content creationExtensive modeling tools for...

Yahoo! Maps

Yahoo! Maps is a free online map service owned and operated by Yahoo!. It offers interactive maps and satellite/aerial imagery of locations around the world, as well as street-level photography in some areas. Users can get driving, walking, public transit and biking directions, view real-time traffic information, create customized...

Emerillon

Emerillon is a free, open source photo geotagging program for Linux operating systems. It provides an intuitive interface that allows users to easily geotag their collection of photos by plotting points on a map or entering GPS coordinates.Some key features of Emerillon include:Drag-and-drop interface for quickly importing photos...

Relief Maps

Relief Maps is a desktop software application designed specifically for visualizing and working with digital elevation models (DEMs). It enables users to import raw elevation datasets such as Lidar scans or SRTM data and transform them into interactive 3D maps and terrain models.Key features of Relief Maps include:Support...

Old Maps Online

Old Maps Online is a free web application to view, search, share and georeference historical maps. It was launched in 2010 by Klokan Technologies GmbH in cooperation with libraries and archives from all over the world.The site contains a collection of over 370,000 maps and views from the 15th to 20th...

QTViewer

QTViewer is a free, open-source image and media viewer, organizer and basic editor for Windows, Mac and Linux. It is designed to be a simple but powerful way to view, browse and manage image, video and audio files.Some key features of QTViewer:Supports a wide range of common image...

EyeMaps

eyeMaps is a feature-rich mind mapping and brainstorming software used by individuals and teams to visually organize ideas and concepts. It provides an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that allows users to easily create mind maps that include topics, subtopics, notes, attachments, task lists and more.With eyeMaps, users can brainstorm ideas...

Tagzania

Tagzania is a productivity browser extension used to organize, tag and annotate web content you discover while browsing the internet. It works across various websites and platforms like news sites, blogs, social media, and more to help you save key information from online content.Some key features of Tagzania include...

MapQuery

MapQuery is an open-source desktop geographic information system (GIS) software application used for viewing, editing, and analyzing spatial data. Developed by the Oregon Department of Transportation, MapQuery provides a user-friendly interface and tools for working with maps and geographic information.Key features of MapQuery include:Interactive map display with zooming...

Urthecast

Urthecast is a Vancouver-based technology company that specializes in geospatial data and services by leveraging its network of Earth Observation (EO) sensors in space. The company provides imagery and data for a wide range of industries through its UrtheDaily, streaming video, and API services.Urthecast operates the world's first commercially-available...