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.
• Google Earth offers Earth Help.