What Is Google Earth?
Google Earth has always been a favorite for virtual explorers. Its historical images, 3D features, and ability to explore different places make it truly special. There’s no exact replacement for Google Earth, but here are a few alternatives that come close:
- ArcGIS Earth
ArcGIS Earth is a program you can download, similar to Google Earth. Available as a desktop or mobile app, it offers 3D city views and a wide range of data layers from the ArcGIS Online library. You can also import formats like KML and KMZ. It’s user-friendly and includes 3D tools like line of sight and elevation profiles. Plus, it integrates with other Esri tools for easy map and data sharing.
- Esri Wayback Viewer
The Esri Wayback Viewer lets you look at old maps to see how places have changed over time. It’s like a time machine for maps, allowing you to compare old and new maps side by side. Esri regularly updates the images, so you can keep track of changes around the world.
- NASA WorldWind
NASA WorldWind Explorer uses satellite images and data to show 3D views of the Earth. You can explore mountains, valleys, and oceans as if you were actually there. It offers unique basemap options, including layers like OSM and Bing. You can also add your own web services. WorldWind is open-source, so anyone can use or modify it to create new tools.