To search
Softonic rating:
Excellent
9/10
License:
Free
Added:
May 14, 2007
Updated:
August 18, 2010
Publisher:
Google | More programs (61)
File size:
13.3 MB
Downloads:
2,852,071
Cyril Roger

“Explore the globe”

by Cyril Roger

 about

Google's satellite imagery software has truly changed the way we look at the globe. The application lets you zoom in on any part of the world and for some places, observe from a few meters away.

Google Earth not only displaces satellite images but it also includes terrains and sometimes 3D reconstruction of buildings. You can look for directions and businesses, just like in Google Maps and pinpoint areas or draw on maps straight in Google Earth.

Google Earth includes a very wide, and constantly increasing library of layers, which you can add to the map to enrich your experience. You'll find all sorts of information, from historical landscapes to national parks, regions where you can find endangered species or tourist spots. Google Earth will also showcase more news related information such as forest fires or tsunamis.

But Google Earth is not limited to terrain, and with every new version, it adds new sources of satellite imagery and information about other areas in the world. Say you're really into stars; then you should turn to the Space mode and navigate among the constellations. Or, if you prefer exploring the seas, enable the Water surface option and learn all the secrets about oceans and marine creatures. What's more, the latest version lets you travel in time by providing you with a new Historical Imagery function that allows you to see the evolution of certain locations during the past few years.

Moving around in Google Earth is incredibly intuitive thanks to the multiple navigation tools. Some areas will show less information than others, and Google Earth is known to use up a substantial amount of bandwidth, but it remains a fascinating piece of software

Google Earth is as of yet an unequaled application. Browse around the world, zoom into streets, gaze at the stars or dive into the ocean. Millions of possibilities.

Languages:

English, Arabic, Czech, Dutch, Korean, Polish, Portuguese BR, Russian

Recent changes in Google Earth:

  • New Features in Google Earth 5.2
  • Improved embedded browser functionality: Better integration of embedded browser with Google Earth Application.
  • Track and Multitrack in Google Earth: A track allows you to create one visible object in Google Earth (either a Point icon or a Model) that moves over time between multiple positions. Using the time slider, you can animate position and orientation of an object and show a line tracing the path. A multitrack is a collection of tracks. You can create Track and Multitrack by authoring KML documents or by importing your GPS data (from a number of GPS receivers or file formats such as GPX) into Google Earth.
  • Elevation Profile in Google Earth: You can see elevation profile of a line-string or track in Google Earth. It plots the elevation profile, speed, and associated extended data (for example, heart rate) in a KML file.
  • Added file import types: NMEA (.log and .nmea), Garmin GDB, Garmin Training Center, and Ozi Explorer files can now all be read. Garmin fitness extensions are now read from GPX. Extended data for Elevation Profile and Track is handled when available.

About the license:

  • Some features not available

OS requirements for Google Earth:

  • OS: Win2000/XP/Vista/7 Compatible with Windows 7

Minimum requirements:

  • Processor: 500 MHz
  • Memory: 128 MB
  • Video: 16 MB

Recommended requirements:

  • Processor: 2,4 MHz
  • Memory: 512 MB
  • Video: 32 MB
Pros
  • Find businesses and directions
  • Lots of different layers
  • New Ocean mode
  • Freedom to move anywhere
Cons
  • Can take time to load
  • Uses up bandwidth
  • Images not always updated
Did you like this review?
6888 of 7517 users liked it (92%)

Google Earth Softonic Rating: 9Featured program

Softonic gives special recognition to software of exceptionally high quality. More information

Previous versions of Google Earth

User opinions about Google Earth (21)

Sort user reviews by:

Review and rate Google Earth

  1. Maximum: 80 characters

    Eg. The best video player avaialble. | Much faster than Windows Media Player!

  2. Minimum: 100 characters

    See example

Would you like to write us a review telling us about your experience with Google Earth?

Google Earth options

Google Earth Options

Reviews for Google Earth in other languages

Google Earth in other platforms

Softonic rating:Excellent
9/10

User Rating

1,807 ratings
Usability
  • Currently 9/10.
Stability
  • Currently 9/10.
Installation
  • Currently 9/10.
Functionality
  • Currently 9/10.
Appearance
  • Currently 9/10.

User reviews

21 reviews

Options

Download stats