Google Earth Pro continues to be a practical tool for viewing, analyzing, and exporting geographic data.
It's used in many fields, from urban planning and environmental research to education and land management. This article outlines five of its most useful features that help users create, visualize, and share location-based data.
At the end, we’ll also briefly introduce Atlas, a browser-based mapping platform that supports similar workflows in a more collaborative environment.
Summary of Key Features
| Feature | What It Does |
|---|---|
| High-Resolution Printing | Export large, detailed images of maps with custom elements like scale bars |
| Historical Imagery | View past satellite images to compare how areas have changed over time |
| KML/KMZ Export | Save map data in portable formats for sharing or use in other GIS tools |
| GIS Import Support | Bring in external spatial data formats for visual analysis and overlay |
| Movie Creation | Record and export guided tours or area walkthroughs as video files |
1. High-Resolution Map Printing
Google Earth Pro enables exporting map images at high resolution, up to 4800x3200 pixels.
This feature is commonly used in professional reports, academic papers, and print materials. The export interface also allows users to include scale bars, a north arrow, and map titles for clarity.
It's particularly helpful when maps need to be presented in meetings or submitted as part of technical documentation. The clarity of the exported visuals ensures they hold up when printed or projected at larger sizes.
2. Historical Imagery Viewer
The historical imagery slider provides access to archived satellite and aerial images from different years.
This feature allows users to analyze how a location has evolved over time, such as urban growth, environmental change, or land development. The availability of data varies by location but is extensive in many parts of the world.
Common use cases include comparing pre- and post-disaster landscapes, studying deforestation patterns, or tracking infrastructure development over decades. It's a simple yet powerful visual tool for time-based analysis.
3. KML and KMZ Export Capabilities
Google Earth Pro supports two main file formats for exporting spatial data:
| File Type | Details |
|---|---|
| KML | XML-based, editable in text or GIS tools |
| KMZ | Compressed version, includes icons or overlays |
These formats are widely supported in other GIS platforms and useful for sharing maps with others or embedding in web platforms.
Users often export KML or KMZ files to send maps to colleagues, publish them on websites, or import them into software like QGIS, ArcGIS, or mobile mapping tools. KMZ is especially convenient when a project includes custom icons, images, or overlays that need to stay bundled together.
4. GIS Data Import Support
Users can import various spatial data types directly into Google Earth Pro, including:
- ESRI Shapefiles (.shp)
- KML/KMZ
- GeoTIFF (.tif)
- CSV files with location data
Imported layers can be styled, grouped, and overlaid on base imagery. This makes it easier to examine or present external datasets in a familiar visual context.
This functionality is used across different disciplines, for example, a conservation group might import species range data, while a transportation planner could bring in proposed transit routes. The ability to quickly view data in relation to real-world imagery adds practical value, especially during early-stage project discussions.
5. Movie Creation Tool
The built-in movie maker lets users create video tours of specific areas or routes.
This includes setting camera positions, zoom levels, and viewpoints to create a smooth animation. Output formats are suitable for presentations or for use in educational and media materials.
In practice, it's used for a range of scenarios, from a real estate agent creating a visual overview of a neighborhood, to a university lecturer building a short video about global geography. It allows non-technical audiences to understand spatial information without needing to interact with the map directly.
A Modern Alternative for Collaborative Mapping
For users who are looking for a more collaborative or browser-based approach, Atlas offers an alternative to traditional desktop mapping tools.
Work faster with spatial data
Easily import data, automate analysis and build spatial apps for the web, all within a single software.
It allows users to upload and style geospatial data, create interactive maps, and share them instantly, without file exports or software installations.
While it doesn't replace all of Google Earth Pro's functions, it offers a modern option for many common mapping tasks, especially in team settings or for web-based use.
