Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' note: The 556K downloadable file is a stub installer from Google that requires you to stay online during installation and download the full Google Earth program via the Google Updater.
CNET Editors' review
The latest version of Google Earth continues to set the mapping paradigm. Accessible enough for casual users, Google has added features that make it a necessity for those whose topographic desires are more serious. Although Google Ocean is the big newsmaker in version 5, you can also check out the surface of our nearest neighbor, Mars, as well as incorporating historical Earth maps.
If you'll forgive the pun, the oceanic maps are pretty cool. They provide the capability to plunge to the floor of the sea, view exclusive content from the BBC and National Geographic, and explore shipwrecks like the Titanic in 3D. Exploring the Martian surface is limited to data provided from NASA, but that's not much of a limitation considering that it's unlikely that most of us will ever get to visit the Red Planet. Switching between Google Earth, Sky, and Mars can be done from the menubar or from the planet icon on the toolbar.
Most of the interface's real estate displays a rendering of the globe, which can zoom in on a satellite image of your destination once you've keyed it in. Controls live on a top toolbar and a left-side navigation window that lets you quickly jump between different views and locations. Google's Street View, real-time illumination of the Earth, roads, restaurants, and even crime statistics can be displayed. Smooth integration with Google's 3D rendering program SketchUp means that you can design buildings and see how they'd interact with their surroundings on the fly.
The only downside to the program is that it can consume a large amount of RAM, so older machines might experience performance issues, but even that can now be configured through the Options menu. Everyone else is bound to love Google Earth, both as an entertaining novelty and an informational tool.
Google Earth - View satellite pictures, maps, terrain, buildings and other global imagery - Download Video Previews:Publisher's Description
From Google:
Google Earth puts a planet's worth of imagery and other geographic information right on your desktop. View exotic locales like Maui and Paris, as well as points of interest such as local restaurants, hospitals, and schools. Google Earth combines satellite imagery, maps, and the power of Google Search to put the world's geographic information at your fingertips. With Google Earth you can fly from space to your neighborhood--just type in an address and zoom right in, search for schools, parks, restaurants, and hotels. Get driving directions, tilt and rotate the view to see 3D terrain and buildings, save and share your searches and favorites and even add your own annotations.
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All versions:
4.1 starsout of 1,784 votes
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Current version:
4.3 starsout of 16 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"great love it"
Version: Google Earth 6.2.1.6014
Pros
street view
Cons
none i can think of
Summary
even put it on my phone
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"very great program and easy to use"
Version: Google Earth 6.2.1.6014
Pros
easy connect to internet
Cons
easy connect to server
Summary
usefull
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"recreational"
Version: Google Earth 6.2.1.6014
Pros
procreational
Cons
hirucreation
Summary
creationism
hirucreation
Updated on Apr 13, 2012 -
"I am truly amazed."
Version: Google Earth 6.2.1.6014
Pros
The ultimate atlas. Don't even think about not getting this.
Cons
None that I can think of . . .
Summary
I am constantly amazed by programs like this one.
In only 20 years or so, it has become a different world,
and Google has done much to make this happen. Hats off. -
"I love Google Earth!"
Version: Google Earth 6.2.1.6014
Pros
Their are lots of things to do on Google Earth, it's not just a map!
Cons
I find there are way too many "Layers" and you have to go through the whole list almost every time you want to go somewhere or get directions on there.
Summary
Pretty darn good!
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"A great program, I use it often!"
Version: Google Earth 6.2.1.6014
Pros
I like being able to bring up areas that I have been to in my lifetime now that I'm not able to travel much anymore. It's been a help in teaching a bit of geography to my grandchildren too.
Cons
I would find it difficult to offer up a con on such a great program when it's priced so reasonably!
Summary
Great program & its priced right!
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"Easy to use."
Version: Google Earth 6.2.1.6014
Pros
Useful & easy to use.
Cons
Cannot get good resolution close up.
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"Excellent improvements."
Version: Google Earth 6.2.1.6014
Pros
More areas available for viewing. Sharp details noted from 1000 meters high. Connected to Google maps is a great idea. Even where Google maps are not; the new Google Earth allows viewing of the terrain and mountains via ground level landing.
Cons
Detail from close range, say 50 meters up, is not good. The view blurs when attempting to get close to structures.
Summary
Great improvements. Close inspections of items are not clear for anti terrorism reasons. This detracts from the otherwise outstanding use of Google Earth.
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"Awesome download!"
Version: Google Earth 6.2.1.6014
Pros
The fact that you can add personal pictures is awesome!
Cons
I don't notice any.
Summary
It requires a lot of memory, but when you need it it's awesome :)
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"Love it and am having fun so far"
Version: Google Earth 6.2.1.6014
Pros
Seems faster and crisper
Cons
I haven't found any problems yet.
Summary
Just pure fun for me to go sailing around the earth and bore down to different places.
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