Google Earth Pro

Google Earth Pro will help you explore locations with aerial images and maps.

Developer Google

Version 7.3.7 · Freeware · Windows · macOS

Looking for an alternative to Google Earth Pro?Compare QGIS, Marble.Compare alternatives

Google Earth Pro will help you explore locations with aerial images and maps. You can mark places, explore distances and prepare a journey or geographical subject. The desktop version provides tools to easily capture locations.

Historical images can help to view changes where they are available. You can save markings and routes to re-open later. Always note the date of images if topicality is important.

Download Google Earth Pro

Downloads are available for Windows, macOS.

Measuring distances with the right expectation

Check the date of the images before you draw any conclusions about construction or terrain. Air images and 3D display can come from different periods. Use measurements to orient you, but don't treat them as a survey report. Keep your own markings in a KML or KMZ file if you want to re-open or share them later.

Which software suits you?

Compare Google Earth Pro with alternatives

Compare map software on your task: explore locations, analyze map layers or view routes and geographical data. A virtual globe is not a complete GIS environment. Check that your own card files and the data sources you need are supported.

Differences between Google Earth Pro and QGIS, Marble
SoftwareWhat can it do?Platform and licence
Google Earth ProYou are viewing this app You explore the world with satellite images, terrain and your own markings. You use this mainly for geographical exploration and presentation of locations. Windows, macOSFreeware
QGISView this alternative You analyze and edit geodata with layers, projections and GIS tools. That requires more expertise than looking at a normal globe. Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source
MarbleView this alternative You use a virtual globe and maps with different views. This fits with geographical exploration without setting up a full GIS workplace. Windows, macOS, LinuxOpen source

Choose an alternative to explore its features, system requirements and download options.

Who is it for?

You can use Earth Pro for travel preparation, geography, exploring an environment or viewing GIS data. It matches visual reconnaissance. For accurate land measurements or current navigation, you need to use appropriate data and specialised resources; a satellite image alone is not sufficient for this purpose.

Getting started

First, find a known location and try to save a mark. Check the scale before comparing distances or surfaces.

Privacy

Online footage is collected via Google. Own markings and imported files may contain sensitive locations, such as home addresses or routes. Check it before sharing a KML or other project file. A location file can pass on more detail than just the place that is visible on your screenshot.

Good to know

The images are not as recent or detailed everywhere. Do not use them as a replacement for current terrain information.

Please note

Different areas can have images from different years. Also visible borders and objects are not automatically up-to-date or legally accurate. Compare additional up-to-date information in an important decision. When sharing, observe the conditions of use of the card and image material.

Advantages

  • You can view an environment in coherence and compare historical images.
  • Own markings and geographical data add context.
  • The desktop environment is useful for exploring multiple locations within one project.

Things to consider

  • Video footage is not as recent or detailed everywhere.
  • You must assess scale, recording date and origin of your own data.
  • The display does not replace current field control or accurate measurement.

Download Google Earth Pro

The download page opens in a new tab.

Version history

7.3.7

You can better exchange KML files with the new Google Earth. The units of measurement are also shown more consistently.

Report a new version

Is there a newer version of Google Earth Pro? Send the version number and a link to the official announcement. Our editors will check it. No login is required.

More from Google

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Our verdict

Google Earth Pro is valuable if you want to explore locations spatially and view your own geographical data. Historical images and import possibilities give more context than a loose card. Use the display for orientation and comparison. Video has a recording date and is not a live image of what happens at a location.

Choose Earth Pro for spatial context and comparison, not as evidence of the current situation on site. Notice a difference between historical images on date, season and viewing angle. For your own map data, a small file with well-known points helps to check the location. If accuracy is decisive, the data used and measurements shall support that accuracy themselves.

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