Google Earth is a computer program that maps the Earth by superimposing satellite images, aerial photography, and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) data onto a 3D globe, allowing users to see cities and landscapes from multiple angles.
What can it do?
- With Google Earth for Chrome, fly anywhere in seconds and explore hundreds of 3D cities right in your browser. Roll the dice to discover someplace new, take a guided tour with Voyager, and measure distances and areas.
- Google Earth Pro on desktop is free for users with advanced feature needs. Import and export GIS data, and go back in time with historical imagery.
- Google Earth for mobile enables you to browse the globe with a swipe of your finger on your phone or tablet.
- Create sharable links for selected views.
Uses in a Course
- Create and organize GIS information in a map for class projects.
- Learn and tour around the world instantly by searching locations.
- Explore the topography of areas.
Things to Consider Before Using Google Earth
- Data is all online on a server, the faster your internet connect, the better.
- Google Earth and some other GIS applications are based in Java, which can be slow on some machines.
- This is not recommended for turn by turn directions. Try Google Maps instead.
Access
- Download Google Chrome to use Google Earth Web.
- Download Google Earth Pro on MacOS, Linux, Windows desktop.
- Download Google Earth Mobile on iOS and Google Play stores.
Additional Help
- Student Technology Assistants are available to help at the Digital Media Bar in Andrews Library in the CoRE.
- Educational Technology provides limited training and support for Google Earth.
- Hoonuit has additional training.
- Google Earth offers Earth Help.