Google Earth Alternatives

What is Google Earth?

Google Earth is a geographic information system which users can use to store, create, interact, and view data on the basis of location. The platform comes with a huge set of toolset. The platform is beneficial for many industries like education, real estate, insurance, media, and construction. Previously, the tool was known as Keyhole and its name changed to Google Earth after Google purchased it. There are four versions of Google Earth which are as follows:

• Google Earth Pro, a desktop app

• Google Earth Enterprise which is open source

• Google Earth 9 which is browser−based

• Google Earth VR.

Price Plans of Google Earth

Google Earth has three price plans which can be found in the table below:

Plan	Price Paid Monthly
Basic	$500 per month
Professional	$2000 per month
Premium	Custom price

Why Google Earth Alternatives?

Google Earth has many disadvantages and some of them can be found here:

• High bandwidth is required to get the best performance

• Resolution is low in a few areas

• All areas are not covered due to some restrictions

• Poor view of less developed countries

How to choose a Google Earth Alternative?

Google Earth has many alternatives which are listed below:

• Google Earth can be launched on different devices

• The platform displays results in 3D mode

• Users can visit selected buildings

• The platform is available in 45 languages

Top 10 Google Earth Alternatives

Google Earth has many alternatives and some of them have been discussed here in detail.

Alternative 1 − Zoom Earth

Zoom Earth is considered as the most popular competitor to Google Earth. Zoom uses very less services from Google. Zoom Earth is a web−based platform and users can get information about storms, weather, wildfires, and many other natural calamities. The quality of image displayed by Zoom Earth is better than its Google counterpart.

Alternative 2 − Maptitude

Maptitude is a geographic information system which can be used to share geographic data This desktop mapping software comes with a lot of features which help in creating and editing maps easily. Multiple users can manage, share and analyze data simultaneously. You can also customize maps with your own data.

Alternative 3 − Marble

Marble can be accessed on devices with different operating systems like Linux, Mac, Android, and Windows. It is an open−source program and an alternative to Google Earth. Satellite maps can be used if users have zoomed out. For street−level images, users have to zoom in. Users can view street−level images with the help of OpenStreetMap which is a street view program and is similar to Google Maps.

Alternative 4 − Google Maps

Google Maps is an alternative to Google Earth. Google Maps also has the ability to show satellite view photographs. Users can visit any place and navigate any street in any city. Users will be able to know the places, their distance, and other information through Google Maps. Google Maps has many other features like searching nearby places, now about traffic, location sharing, and many more.

Alternative 5 − NASA World Wind

NASA World Wind is one of the best alternatives to Google Earth. It is an open−source application and is a Java−based software development kit. Developers can use this kit to develop applications using data that NASA provides. This data may include

• Satellite imagery

• Topographic maps

The platform also has many plugins and add−ons which can be used to add different features to an application like camera−controlling scripts.

Alternative 6 − QGIS

QGIS is another alternative to Google Earth and it has the feature of increasing visualization. QGIS is an open−source platform which developers and experts can use to view and edit data provided by experts of technical knowledge. QGIS is a vector−based program and users have the opportunity to draw any geospatial data. Users can zoom as much as they want but the quality of maps will not deteriorate.

Alternative 7 − Satellites.pro

Satellites.pro is an amazing alternative to Google Earth. Users can get data from other data sources through Satellites.pro. Some of these data sources are listed below:

• Esri

• Google Maps

• Apple Maps

• OpenStreetMap

• Mapbox

• Yandex Map

All the sources do not provide satellite views. Users will also have the option of switching between different views like

• Satellite view

• Street maps

• Weather maps

Alternative 8 − Global Mapper

Global Mapper is considered as one of the best alternatives to Google Earth. Global Mapper is a GIOS software which consists of different types of data processing tools which can be used by newbies as well as experienced professionals. The tool has a lot of 3D formats and it also includes a terrain analysis feature. GPS tracking is also available in the tool.

Alternative 9 − ArcGIS Earth

ArcGIS Earth is a platform where users can find a 3D environment for various aspects like visualizing, planning, and evaluating events. The tool has the ability to import data from other sources. Like ArcGIS Online, ArcGIS Living Atlas, etc.

Alternative 10 − Mapbox

Mapbox is a satellite map which can also be used for mapping. Users need to sign up and create an account to use the features of Mapbox through Mapbox Studio. This tool helps users to create different types of map styles. You can have different views of a map like terrain, satellite, and others. Users also have the option of uploading their data and creating their own map styles.

Conclusion

Google Earth is a software which users can use to have different views of a map like satellite, street, terrain, etc. High bandwidth is required to run the software. All areas cannot be viewed and images of some areas may not be clear. There are many alternatives which users can use to have a clear view of a map. These alternatives are Mapbox, Google Maps, Marble, and many more.