Cesium: If you have an advanced software skillset, Cesium offers an open-source JavaScript library for creating 3D globes and maps that may be useful.ESRI ArcGIS Earth: This desktop software has to be downloaded and installed on your computer, but has a number of features similar to Google Earth Pro.NASA WorldView: NASA's GIS software is closer to the traditional Google Earth Software, but has limited capabilities for uploading your own data.Create layers with satellite or drone imagery, organize data by location, and collaborate from the field. Unearth OnePlace: Do you have spreadsheets? A folder full of photos? Other documents? Launch your 30-day free trial of OnePlace by pinning this data to a map.Check out these popular options to get started: There are a number of alternatives available, and the best one will depend on what exactly you're trying to do and the industry you are in. But, if you’re interested in using Google Earth to organize and analyze information as it relates to its location, then you likely need to find another product. If you're just looking to explore interactive photos of the Earth, then Google Earth 9 is an excellent product. The answer depends on what you're looking to do. What's the Best Alternative to Google Earth? In a rare occurrence in my life: I give up. I realize all too well that many of the people who were die-hard fans of Google Earth 10 years ago, are no longer the fans of the product they once were… I have tried extremely hard to keep Google supporting Google Earth and its fans over the years. Staff was reduced, and during the last three years all of the top staff who were involved with its original creation have left. in recent years, Google Earth development languished. Lastly, if you're a business with a legacy instance of Google Earth Enterprise, or have the developer power to create your own instance, you can use the open source Google Earth Enterprise.įrom a user perspective, I think this quote from Google Earth Blog founder Frank Taylor best summarizes the current state of Google Earth users.If you’re a casual user that just wants to explore the globe, then the new browser-based Google Earth 9 is designed specifically for you.For those wanting the traditional data-focused capabilities of Google Earth, Google Earth Pro is still available for download, though the product is not a priority for Google.įrom a product perspective, there are essentially three Google Earth products currently available, two of which Google actively supports. Looking for an alternative to Google Earth? Navigate the many options on the market with our intro to modern mapping software. Thanks to the Google Earth Blog, a site with almost daily postings about the product, we can trace the history of the software, what ultimately led to its demise, and what the future looks like for those who feel they’ve been abandoned. ![]() So, what happened to the first product to put the power of GIS mapping into the hands of consumers? ![]() Many long-time users feel Google abandoned the features that made it so powerful for research and learning: focusing on a more casual audience. Since then, it’s undergone several iterations with varying feature sets.Ĭurrently, there are four active versions of Google Earth: the desktop app Google Earth Pro, open-source Google Earth Enterprise, browser-based Google Earth 9, and Google Earth VR.įrom the perspective of its loyal user-base, Google Earth's history has been tumultuous, and ultimately disappointing. Prior to acquisition, Keyhole had received significant funding from the CIA’s venture capital branch, In-Q-Tel. Originally known as Keyhole, the product was renamed Google Earth after the start-up was purchased by Google. ![]() With its multipurpose design and expansive toolset, the software targets a diverse user-base spanning education, government, real estate, media, insurance, and construction, as well as a loyal set of private consumers. It enables individuals to create, store, view, and interact with data as it relates to location. ![]() Google Earth is arguably the most well-known and widely used geographic information system (GIS) software available.
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