What can Google Earth do?
What can Google Earth do?
What's coming up?
In this activity, we’ll recap some of the main features of Google Earth, and see why it’s like an interactive encyclopaedia that helps you explore the entire world.
Start activityWhat will we look at?
In this activity, we'll look at:
- Finding places in Google Earth.
- Checking out other people's travel photos and planning your own adventures.
- Taking tours of the world's great destinations using the Street View feature.
Finding your way around
Searching Google Earth is easy – just click in the Search Google Earth bar at the top of the screen, and type in the country, city, landmark or address you want.
To take a closer look at your location, click the + button on the map controls at the bottom right of the screen.
Let’s check
What does the + (plus symbol) button do on Google Earth? Read the answers below and click on the card you think is correct.
It allows you to add a location to view.
Click to flip
Sorry, no, this isn’t correct. Have another go.
It lets you zoom in closer on a location.
Click to flip
That’s correct! And the - (minus symbol) button lets you zoom out again.
It finds your current location.
Click to flip
Sorry, no, that’s not correct. Have another go.
Customise maps to show more or less
By default, Google Earth adds details like place names and international borders to maps to help you find your bearings.
You can add more detail, such as landmarks and public transport route numbers, or remove all detail so you see only the map. Click on the Layers button in the main menu to see these options.
Check out the 3D view
Rather than looking straight down from above, you can click the 3D icon to look out across the world and see the lay of the land.
This effect looks best in built-up areas, where Google often adds 3D models of large buildings and other major landmarks rather than just relying on aerial images.
See photos from people who've been there
Anyone can upload their photos to Google Earth, and you can see them by enabling Photos.
The photos for a location appear as a tiny round image that you can click on and are a handy way to explore places where Street View can't reach.
Plan your big adventure
Before you head off on holidays, Google Earth offers a great way to research the sights. You can take yourself on a virtual tour and read information cards about destinations, including Wikipedia links to more information.
eSafety tip
Remember, if you need specific driving or public transport directions then you should look to Google Maps.
Take a Google Earth tour
Google provides some tours using Google Earth, taking you to the furthest corners of the globe. You can find out more at the gallery of available tours.
Well done!
You’ve completed the What can Google Earth do? activity. You've learned that it's easy to find your way around Google Earth using the search and zoom features and to see photos people have uploaded.
Next, we’ll look more closely at the Google Earth's navigation in the Using the control menu activity.