Google Earth lets you explore satellite imagery, terrain, buildings and locations around the world. However, choosing between Google Earth on the web and Google Earth Pro for desktop can be confusing, particularly if you use maps for education, planning, surveying or GIS-related tasks.
Both versions help you explore geographical information, but
they differ in how you access them, manage projects, import data and produce
map outputs. Google Earth on the web is convenient for browser-based
exploration and sharing, while Google Earth Pro has traditionally been useful
for desktop mapping workflows and high-resolution image exports.
This guide compares their main features, explains their
limitations and helps you decide which version to use.
What Is Google Earth on the Web?
Google Earth on the web is the browser-based version
available at [earth.google.com] . You can open it in a supported web browser
without installing the desktop application.
It is useful for exploring places, viewing 3D landscapes,
finding locations and creating projects that can be shared with other people.
Its features have also expanded, so it should not be treated simply as a basic
map viewer.
Main features of Google Earth Web
- Geographical exploration: Search for places and explore satellite imagery, terrain and 3D views where available.
- Historical imagery: Explore historical imagery and other time-based views where supported.
- Measurement: Use available tools to measure distances and areas.
- Projects and sharing: Create and organise map projects, add information and share work using supported project features.
- Web access: Open Google Earth through a compatible browser without installing Google Earth Pro.
The exact tools available may change as Google updates the
web version. Check the current interface before relying on a particular feature
for a professional task.
What Is Google Earth Pro for Desktop?
Google Earth Pro is the installed desktop application
available for Windows, macOS and Linux. It provides a set of tools for working
with geographical information on a computer.
Google identifies desktop Pro as an option for users who
need advanced features, including GIS data import and export and historical
imagery. It is particularly useful for workflows involving local files,
detailed measurements and customised map images.
Main features of Google Earth Pro
- GIS data workflows
- Measurement tools
- Historical imagery
- High-resolution image export
- Saved places
Google Earth Pro is not the same as a separate browser-based product called “Google Earth Pro Online”. If you want to use Google Earth in a browser, open the web version.
Google Earth Pro vs Google Earth Web: Side-by-Side Comparison
The table below summarises the main practical differences.
Features can overlap, and Google's web version continues to evolve, so verify
any essential capability in the current application.
|
Feature |
Google
Earth on the web |
Google
Earth Pro desktop |
|
Access |
Browser |
Installed application |
|
Explore geographic locations |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Historical imagery |
Available |
Available |
|
Measurement tools |
Available, with features changing over time |
Established desktop measurement tools |
|
GIS data workflows |
Supports web-based project and data features; available formats may
vary |
Supports desktop import and export workflows |
|
High-resolution map image export |
Export options differ from desktop |
Offers a dedicated Save Image workflow |
|
Projects and sharing |
Built-in project and sharing features |
Saved places and file-based sharing |
|
Installation |
Not required for browser access |
Required |
|
Operating systems |
Devices with a supported browser |
Windows, macOS and Linux |
|
Best starting point |
Exploration, projects and sharing |
Desktop mapping and established file-based workflows |
|
Feature |
Google Earth on the web |
Google Earth Pro desktop |
For an official overview, see Google's [Google Earth versionspage].
Which Version Is Better for Different Tasks?
The best choice depends on what you need to accomplish
rather than which version has the longer feature list.
1. Exploring locations and viewing terrain
For everyday geographical exploration, start with Google
Earth on the web. You can search for a location, zoom in and out, explore
available 3D views and share a project when appropriate.
Google Earth Pro can also perform these tasks. You may
prefer it if you already have a desktop workflow or need to combine exploration
with local geographical files.
2. Measuring distance or land area
Both versions provide measurement capabilities, although the
tools and interface can differ.
For example, if you want to estimate the area of a proposed site, open the location and use the available area-measurement tool to outline its boundary. Check the measurement units and inspect the shape carefully before recording the result.
For a step-by-step desktop workflow, see [How to MeasureLand Area in Google Earth Pro]
3. Importing GIS data
If you work with Shapefiles, CSV coordinate files or other
geographical data, compare the supported formats in the version you intend to
use. Google Earth Web has been gaining additional data capabilities, so it is
no longer accurate to assume that every GIS import is exclusive to the desktop
application.
Google Earth Pro remains useful for established desktop
workflows involving supported formats. Before importing a file, check that it
contains the necessary coordinate information and that its coordinate reference
system is appropriate for the intended workflow.
4. Creating a map for a report
Google Earth Pro is a useful option when you need to prepare a customised map image. Its Save Image feature allows you to configure map options and include items such as a title or legend.
A practical workflow is:
- Navigate to the location you want to show.
- Adjust the zoom and viewing angle.
- Turn on or off relevant labels and layers.
- Open the Save Image option.
- Review the map options and available image settings.
- Save the image and inspect it before inserting it into your report.
Google Earth on the web can also be useful for preparing and
sharing map projects, but the available export options may differ.
Remember that Google Earth imagery and screenshots are
subject to Google's usage and attribution guidelines. Review those requirements
before publishing imagery on a website or using it commercially.
5. Sharing projects with colleagues or clients
Google Earth on the web is a practical starting point when
collaboration and link-based sharing are important. Supported project features
help people access and work with shared geographical information.
Google Earth Pro is useful for people who organise saved places locally and exchange files. If you share a KML or KMZ file, ask the recipient to open it in their own version and check that the information appears as expected.
Do not assume that every desktop feature or complex file
will transfer perfectly between versions. Test important projects before
relying on them in a presentation or formal report.
Can You Use Google Earth Pro Online?
There is no separate browser application that is simply the
desktop version of Google Earth Pro running online. The browser product is
Google Earth on the web.
Google has been adding features to its web and mobile
experiences, including more advanced mapping capabilities. As a result, some
tasks that once led users directly to the desktop application may now be
possible in the browser.
If you need a particular feature, check the current web
interface and compare it with the desktop application rather than assuming that
the web version either includes everything or lacks all advanced tools.
Important Update: Google Earth Pro Downloads in 2027
Google announced that Google Earth Pro for desktop will no longer be available for new downloads beginning on 25 June 2027. The announcement says that people who already have the application, or download it before that date, can continue using it after the cutoff.
This is a change to download availability, not an announcement that existing installations will automatically stop working on that date.
If you rely on Google Earth Pro, consider keeping secure copies of your own KML and KMZ files and documenting the steps needed to recreate important projects. Check Google's official announcement for the latest details before making long-term plans.
Read the [official Google Earth Pro download
update]
Final Recommendation
For convenient exploration, browser access and project
sharing, start with Google Earth on the web. For established desktop workflows,
supported GIS file imports and customised high-resolution map exports, Google
Earth Pro remains useful.
If you are unsure, test your actual task in the web version
first. Use the desktop application when you need a specific capability that is
better supported there. Since the web version is evolving, reassess your
workflow periodically rather than assuming today's differences will remain
permanent.
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