If you have a GeoTIFF map, scanned map, aerial image, or other GIS raster data, Google Earth Pro can be useful for viewing that imagery over its satellite basemap. This is particularly helpful when you want to compare an existing map with current imagery, inspect a project area, or present GIS information in an easy-to-understand geographic view.
Google Earth Pro supports several GIS image formats, including TIFF/GeoTIFF, NTF and ERDAS Imagine IMG. When the imagery contains suitable projection information, Google Earth Pro can use that information to position and reproject the image in the 3D viewer.
The reference material for this guide also demonstrates importing GeoTIFF imagery, creating a suitable overlay, checking its position against identifiable map features, and saving the resulting imagery for later use.
What Is a GeoTIFF?
A GeoTIFF is a TIFF image that can contain geographic information describing where the image belongs on the Earth's surface.
Unlike an ordinary JPG or PNG, a properly georeferenced GeoTIFF can contain information such as its coordinate reference system and geographic position. This allows compatible software to place the image according to its spatial information rather than requiring you to position it manually.
If you also need to add an image overlay, see our guide on How to Add an Image Overlay in Google Earth Pro, where we explain how to do it step by step.
Step 1: Prepare Your Map or GeoTIFF
Before opening the file, check that your imagery is complete and that its geographic information is correct.
For a GeoTIFF, useful information includes:
- Coordinate reference system
- Geographic extent
- Projection information
- Image resolution
- File format
Google Earth Pro supports TIFF files, including GeoTIFF and compressed TIFF files. However, Google states that imagery using the NAD83 projection is not supported.
If your image uses an unsupported or incorrect projection, it may fail to import or may not appear in the correct location.
Step 2: Open Google Earth Pro
Start Google Earth Pro and navigate to approximately the area covered by your map.
You do not have to position the map perfectly before importing the imagery. However, choosing an approximate location and suitable viewing altitude can make it easier to inspect the result.
Step 3: Open the GeoTIFF
In Google Earth Pro, select:
File → Open
Browse to the location of your GeoTIFF and select the file.
Google Earth Pro recognises supported GIS imagery and opens an overlay editing/import window. Google's official instructions specifically use File → Open for GIS images.
Depending on the image size and its spatial information, Google Earth Pro may need some time to process or reproject the imagery.
Step 4: Choose the Appropriate Import Settings
When importing GIS imagery, Google Earth Pro processes the image so that it can be displayed in its 3D viewer.
For larger images, this processing can take longer. Google explains that reprojection may require additional processing time, particularly for large images or images requiring more texture memory.
For large raster datasets, using an appropriate scaling or cropping option can make the resulting overlay easier to manage.
Step 5: Check the Image Position
Once the image appears, compare it with the Google Earth satellite imagery underneath.
Look for features that are clearly visible in both datasets, such as:
- Road intersections
- River crossings
- Property boundaries
- Buildings
- Lakes
- Other recognisable landmarks
If the GeoTIFF is correctly georeferenced, these features should generally align with their corresponding locations in Google Earth.
If they do not align, do not immediately move the image manually. First check the source image's projection and coordinate information. Google notes that images without correct projection information cannot be accurately reprojected.
Step 6: Adjust Transparency
Transparency is useful when checking whether your imported map aligns with the Google Earth imagery.
Reduce the overlay's opacity so that you can see both the imported map and the satellite imagery underneath.
This allows you to visually compare roads, boundaries and other features. Google also recommends adjusting transparency when positioning image overlays.
For example, a semi-transparent land-use map can show both the mapped areas and the current satellite image at the same time.
Once you have completed this process, you may also want to learn How to Import Shapefiles into Google Earth Pro, if you need to add your shapefiles to Google Earth Pro.
GeoTIFF vs Ordinary Image
| Feature | GeoTIFF | JPG/PNG |
|---|---|---|
| Image information | Yes | Yes |
| Geographic positioning information | Can contain it | Usually requires manual positioning |
| Automatic geographic placement | Possible | Usually manual |
| Useful for GIS imagery | Yes | Yes, but less spatially aware |
| Suitable for simple overlays | Yes | Yes |
An ordinary image can still be used as an overlay, but it may require manual positioning. Google explains that images without projection information are treated as ordinary overlay files and can be positioned manually.
Step 7: Save the Imported Map
Once the imagery is correctly displayed, you can save the overlay.
Google Earth Pro allows imported GIS imagery to be kept in My Places. You can also save the imagery overlay as a KMZ file, which can be useful when you want to preserve and share the imported geographic content.
Google's release notes also confirm that GeoTIFF imports or super overlays can be saved as KMZ files.
Common Problems
The GeoTIFF will not open
Check whether the file uses a supported format and projection. Google specifically states that NAD83-projected imagery is not supported.
The map appears in the wrong location
Check the coordinate reference system and projection information of the source imagery before attempting manual adjustment.
The image is difficult to compare with satellite imagery
Reduce the overlay's transparency so that both layers can be seen.
The image takes a long time to load
Large raster images may require more processing. Cropping or scaling the imagery before importing can make the workflow more manageable.
Important Limitation
Google Earth Pro is useful for visualising GIS imagery, but it should not automatically be treated as a replacement for dedicated GIS software. If you need precise raster reprojection, georeferencing, raster analysis, mosaicking or advanced GIS processing, a dedicated GIS application such as QGIS or ArcGIS is generally more appropriate.
For additional information and the latest guidance, see the official Google Earth Help documentation on Import & change map data.
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