And the free version of Google Earth only allows you to import image files that are up to a max texture size, but Google Earth Pro offers Super Image Overlays that are more than the max texture size.ĭata in Google Earth Pro that I find most compelling is the U.S. The free version of Google Earth requires you to manually geo-locate geographic information system (GIS) images, but Google Earth Pro helps you automatically find them. The free version of Google Earth lets you print screen resolution images, whereas Google Earth Pro offers premium high resolution photos. There are several differences between the free version of Google Earth and Google Earth Pro.

The Google Earth desktop client hit the billion download mark in October 2011. Under Keyhole, the application was known as EarthViewer 3D. Google Earth was created after Google acquired CIA-funded Keyhole Inc. Google Earth is a geospatial software application that displays a virtual globe, which offers the ability to analyze and capture geographical data. Google Earth Pro used to cost $399 per year. Non-pro can only handle lines/paths.Today Google has announced that Google Earth Pro is now available for free.

Measure distances/areas using lines, paths, polygons, circles, and more.

Automatically import a few thousand addresses at once to be pinned on a map.

Here’s what it can do that the non-Pro version can’t: It’s not something everyone will need - but hey, it’s free now! So what’s different about Google Earth Pro that once made it $400 a year? It’s primarily good for project planning and tinkering with data. (Ignore the “free trial” bit in the URL the new free license should work indefinitely.) Then you’d download the free Pro client from right here. You’ll still need to get a key from Google to unlock the Pro features, but that’s a matter of filling out a quick form.

Google has just nixed the subscription fee for Google Earth Pro, dropping it from $400 a year to completely free. At least, not enough for Google to keep counting on it as an income source. But how many dropped $400 (per year!) for a Pro subscription?

Lots of people have dabbled with Google Earth to fly around their neighborhood or poke around a 3D version Paris.

Google earth live