- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows Vista, Windows 2000, Windows XP
- Date added: February 02, 2009
- Total Downloads: 4,750,541
- Downloads last week: 15,558
- See full specifications
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 1179 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: Seth Rosenblatt on February 02, 2009
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.
Watch the CNET video review of Google Earth:
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.
Version 5.0 introduces oceans and Martian landscapes.
CNET Editor's Note: The 1MB 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.
What's new in this version:
Version 5.0 introduces oceans and Martian landscapes.
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User reviews
- Average user rating: 4.1 stars out of 1179 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 105 user reviewsSee all 105 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
Version: Google Earth 5.0.11733.9347
Pros: I like the ground cameras
Cons: not enough ground cameras
Summary: when I visit my home town using the ground cameras its like taking a drive through your home town. but can only go down a limited amount of streets. more cameras would be a big improvement .
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Version: Google Earth 5.0.11733.9347
"Google Earth 5 - great detail"
Pros: It seems to zoom in better and have more areas of detail. Hav'nt figured out how to go under the ocean yet
Cons: Seems a bit complicated - but then maybe thats just me !
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Version: Google Earth 5.0.11733.9347
Pros: The details of the maps really amaze me. I was not good in geographics...if this this tool has been available some years ago , well ... ;-)
Cons: Nothing that I can think of.
Summary: It is fascinating to learn about our planet with this gem.
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Version: Google Earth 5.0.11733.9347
"Fun to use looking up old home addresses in other citys"
Pros: Accuracy of finding addresses is unbelievably to the exact location
Cons: Some addresses were not available in any detail on map
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Version: Google Earth 5.0.11733.9347
"Cool earth exploring program..."
Pros: Much more stable and lighter than previous versions. Lots of features such as directions, photos, 3D images, etc. Satellite views and map views.
Cons: Satellite images needs to be updated already.
Summary: It's the best app to explore places and the satellite view, although not updated, is so cool.
- See all 105 user reviews Write review
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