CNET 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.
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 1,745 votes
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Current version:
4.5 starsout of 6 votes
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My rating:
Write review
Results 1-6 of 6
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"easy to set up and works perfectly"
Version: Google Earth 6.2.2.6613
Pros
see above plus gives excellent directions unlike yahoo maps
Cons
haven't found one yet.... well, moving around gets a little confusing sometimes (but that id probably just me and my eyesight)
Summary
It is good to have google earth back.... had to go without it for a few years)
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"Google Earth continues to improve"
Version: Google Earth 6.2.2.6613
Pros
Navigating has become easier
Cons
Zoom button is not easy to control
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"Wow so fun and interesting to use."
Version: Google Earth 6.2.2.6613
Pros
Easy to navigate, easy to search the earth.
Cons
NONE none none
Summary
In 1963 my mother bought a 20 World Globe mounted on an Oak stand, and proudly displayed it in our living room, we thought we could view the earth in style. My how Google Earth has changed things.
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"works flawlessly"
Version: Google Earth 6.2.2.6613
Pros
Gives me a preview of a location before I spend my time and gas money going out to visit.
Cons
It is a little slow but what the hay.
Summary
It's great to be able to preview a route or location to help decide if you wish to go to that area and location
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"Great for what it is...."
Version: Google Earth 6.2.2.6613
Pros
Super ease of use
Allows for use of place markers/way points
Shows weatherCons
Perhaps even too much data
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"Google Earth"
Version: Google Earth 6.2.2.6613
Pros
Excellent to very good maps, pretty up to date information and very user friendly.
Cons
Some foreign countries have a lot of cloud cover on the pictures. Not really sensitive areas either, Costa Rica is one of the hardest to see.
Summary
Overall it is an extremely good source of information that is easy to use and free.
Results 1-6 of 6
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