Google Earth updates imagery every month, but frequency will depend on the location. Both services share map information from the same source, but which is better will depend on the use you plan to give them. If you're looking to explore places from a bird's eye view, then you should download Google Earth. If you need street navigation and turn by turn directions, Google Maps is the better choice.

Which is better: Google Earth or Google Maps?

If you don't want to manually look for it by zooming in, you can type in your home address in the upper left search box and Google Earth will fly to your home. Google used to charge an annual fee for Google Earth Pro but that is no longer the case. Google Earth Pro is free to use, no matter if you download it as an app or use it as a web service.

Map addresses with the Spreadsheet Importer.

Import large vector image files to quickly map GIS data.

Print high-resolution images for presentations and reports.

Use Movie Maker to produce media collateral.

Compute distances and areas using measurement tools.

Movie-Maker: Export Windows Media and Quicktime HD movies, up to 1920x1080 resolution.

GIS import: Visualize ESRI shapefiles (.shp) and MapInfo (.tab) files.

Spreadsheet Import: Ingest up to 2500 addresses at a time, assigning placemarks and style templates in bulk.

Exclusive Pro data layers: Demographics, parcels, and traffic count.

High-resolution printing: Print Images up to 4800x4800 px resolution.

Advanced Measurements: Measure parking lots and land developments with polygon area measure, or determine affected radius with circle measure.

Some of the most compelling features of Google Earth include: Zoom to your house or anywhere else, then dive in for a 360° perspective with Street View.įor users with advanced feature needs, Google Earth Pro lets you Import and export GIS data, and go back in time with historical imagery. Explore worldwide satellite imagery and 3D buildings and terrain for hundreds of cities. Google Earth Pro on desktop is now free and available to download for Windows, macOS, Android and Linux.

Satellite 3d view of my house