Written by: Ari Denial

Use Google Earth to Explore the Universe

Whether you’re a student doing research for a project, a cartographer preparing maps, or just someone who wants to explore the world, Google Earth was built for you.

From satellite to street views, and 3D imaging of building and landmarks to the stars, moon, and live video from mars, it’s all available with a free download.

How to Download Google Earth Pro for Windows

There are several different versions of Google Earth, you can launch Earth directly in your Chrome browser without downloading any software to your computer. However, for the full power of this program, you will need to download Google Earth Pro. Once upon a time, the program carried a steep price tag. But Google has been giving it away for free for the past few years.
Google Earth Pro Official Download page

Download Google Earth Pro for desktop
  1. Click on the DOWNLOAD button in the sidebar to go directly to the Google Earth download page.
  2. Click ACCEPT & DOWNLOAD to begin the download.
    Download Google Earth Pro for Desktop
  3. When the download finishes, double-click the file to install the program. After the installation is complete, the Earth will open and you’ll be free to explore the universe.

Google Earth Pro

Top Google Earth Features

Take a trip around the world and learn all about the places you’ve “visited” with information cards. Google Earth Pro uses a 3D modeling system, that allows users to build to-scale models of landmarks and buildings.

Pyramids on Google Earth Pro

Information cards are available for all historical landmarks and places of interest

If you prefer to see the actual buildings, you can go to street-view or view the thousands of pictures that users uploaded.

Street view of the Pyramids on Google Earth Pro

A picture of the Great Pyramid of Giza that is on Google Earth

Use Layers to Create the Perfect Map

You can use layers to add or remove features such as roads, photos, parks, trails, 3D buildings and more.

Google Earth Pro layers
This allows you to create a map that suits your needs and doesn’t overload you with more information than you need.

Fun Features in Google Earth

Google Earth Pro has some cool features:

  • Explore the moon, stars, and mars
  • Fly an F-16 or an SR-22 jet in the flight simulator
  • Use the Movie Maker tool to create short clips
  • Play Where on Google Earth is Carmen Sandiego (only on Google Earth, not Google Earth Pro)
  • Use the Voyager feature to find natural wonders, play games, see the ABCs in nature from space and more
  • Turn on the Sun feature, which updates the image based on where the sun is at the current time, adding shadows, or keeping everything dark in the night
  • Turn-by-turn directions, with a satellite view of the route

Free Alternatives to Google Earth

  • NASA World Wind: Use Nasa’s satellite in space and zoom in to any location on earth. It allows you to view the world in 3D and you can experience the elevations and descents with a topographical map feature.
  • OpenStreetMap: A Wikipedia style map program, which can be edited by anyone. You can use it to view, edit, and use information from places all over the world.

FAQ

Is Google Earth Pro Free?

When Google first released Earth Pro it came with a steep price tag. However, in 2015 they decided to release it to the public for free.
How often are the images updated?

The update frequency varies based on the location. Certain regions receive more frequent updates compared to others. If you wish for a location to be refreshed, you have the option, though the speed of this process cannot be assured.

Urban areas are updated more frequently than nature or ocean maps, which don’t require frequent updates.

How can I know when the map or satellite images were last updated?

In Google Earth Pro there is an Imagery Date on the bottom of the map. In addition, there is a Historical Imagery option that allows you to scroll back to previous versions of the map.
What are Projects for in Google Earth?

If you’re looking at Google Earth in the Chrome browser you can create projects. These can be customized maps with whatever details you want to include. Add texts, videos, images, and more to help tell your story.
Can I print maps?

Yes, on Google Earth Pro there is a print option. The browser-based Google Earth doesn’t have a print button, but you can screenshot or hit CTRL+P and print a copy.
Download Google Earth now!