Google Earth

7.3.2.5776

Software information

License:

Freeware (Free)


Updated:

19 Mar 2019


Publisher:

Google

Website:

http://google.com

Software Screenshots

Size: 0 Bytes


Downloads: 957503


Platform: Windows (All Versions)

Review by Frederick Barton (Cybersecurity Editor)

on 11 May 2012

A decade ago, we could see places from other countries only in books or postcards. A few years later, the Internet made it possible to see any location from around the world fast and easy. A company called Keyhole Inc. developed a software called Earth Viewer. The company, along with the software, was bought, in 2004, by search engine giant Google. With their expertise and resources, they upgraded Earth Viewer and now it is better known as Google Earth. Just like playing with a globe, during a Geography class, you can rotate the planet with Google Earth, but you can also zoom in to see any location and all sorts of details, from borders and roads to weather conditions, 3D buildings, panoramas and much more.

Google Earth comes in two versions: free and paid. Although the payed version offers more features, you can still find many interesting functions in the free edition as well. After you run the 722 Kb setup file, the contents of the software will be downloaded and installed on your computer swiftly. For running the program, an Internet connection is not mandatory, but it is recommended.

A 3D model of the Earth is displayed on the software's interface. You may rotate the globe however you want by clicking and dragging it with your mouse. You can zoom in and out as well and this is the best part of the program. From a general view of our great planet, you can zoom in until you see buildings, streets, cars and, in some cases, even people. Hovering with the mouse cursor anywhere on the map will display that location's exact coordinates and elevation.

If you can not find a specific location, the software's search function will help you. The option is located on the left side of the window and you only need to type in the name of the country, city or a certain location, in any order, and you will be taken there automatically. When performing a search, a series of links will be displayed beneath the search field. These will bring up Google search results for hotels and other points of interest in that area. Another link will display a small window with general information and pictures of that place.

A simple map of the planet is not all that Google Earth provides. The software features a very large number of layers, which will make your experience even better. You can activate or deactivate individual layers with the check boxes on the left side of the interface. Enabling them will display basic elements, country and city names, borders, roads or advanced ones, like 3D buildings, photos, and much more. You can see the weather conditions, anywhere in the world, by activating the weather layers. You will see clouds, conditions and forecasts in real time.

One of the most interesting features is the 360 Cities layer. If you see an icon labeled "360" on the map, you should definitely click it. It will take you to a high resolution panorama of the place where you found it. There are many such panoramas spread out across the map. You can even find them in certain street corners and see how people spend a normal day in that area. Some of the layers are placed in categories, according to certain organizations, such as NASA, National Geographic Magazine, The New York Times and more.

With the options on the toolbar, you can mark locations, paths, overlay images and more. You can even record a tour with one of these options. Audio and voice recordings are supported and you may capture your journeys and all sorts of related details. You can use the recording to revisit certain places or share it with your friends.

Google Earth lets you explore the surfaces of the Moon and the planet Mars as well. The planet icon, on the toolbar, will pop out a small menu, where you can choose one of these spheres. You can navigate or zoom in and out, using the same controls. Obviously, you will not find points of interest, like hotels, but you will find a few satellite images or recorded tours.

Pros

The software's search feature lets you find a specific place immediately. Besides a map of the world, Google Earth will display all sorts of information about popular or less known locations. You can tag them, record virtual journeys and, if you feel that the world is too small, you can also explore Mars and the Moon.

Cons

You can not zoom in too much on smaller cities. While using Google Earth, the whole world will be at your fingertips. You can explore the places you always wanted to visit, plan your vacations, record your journeys and much more.

Google Earth
7.3.2.5776

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Google Earth Awards


Google Earth Editor’s Review Rating

Google Earth has been reviewed by Frederick Barton on 11 May 2012. Based on the user interface, features and complexity, Findmysoft has rated Google Earth 5 out of 5 stars, naming it Essential

5

out of 5