Google Earth
Must-see geographic exploration tool; watch for iffy videos.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this app.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that although it doesn't offer the same level of functionality or search power as the PC version, the Google Earth app is still a must-see for any citizen of the modern age. You can still zoom around the earth, select layers, and submit eye-level photos served up courtesy Panoramio. However, you cannot access the full search or other databases or make use of the fantastic PC-version tools and special views. One item unique to the app is a menu of nearby iconic images that you can tap for quick access. Parents should be aware that city entries include access to YouTube videos, which can include iffy content. With enough tapping kids can get to the desktop version of YouTube within the Google Earth app, where they can search for anything they want.
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What’s It About?
Google Earth flies you across the globe using time-delayed satellite images of the Earth including overlaid icons providing facts and services. Look Around button anchors you — limiting viewing to tilt up and down and 360 degrees. When Look Around is off, Pan mode (both ironically named) allows user to explore freely across terrain by swiping. Zoom in with a double click and zoom out by placing and spreading two fingers.
Is It Any Good?
Google Earth is an outstanding and unprecedented resource for curious explorers. You can see a satellite view of your own home, famous landmarks, contours of the ocean floor, and open terrain -- all with astonishing detail. You can also share screen shots or submit your own ground-level photos for display on Google Earth. Layers function allows you to display information about notable places, businesses, and relevant outside websites including Wikipedia entries. It's a little creepy to consider that privacy has been altered so dramatically, but at the same time, how cool to be able to zero in on the home of your third cousin on the other side of the country to see where your great-grandfather was born.
The app search function is not nearly as powerful as the PC version, and controls are not entirely intuitive (but help and tutorial provide relatively clear explanations) and screen navigation can lead to selecting informational icons by accident. Loading time can be slow depending on virtual altitude and connection speed, and image quality is occasionally poor. Icons can litter the display when all layers are selected. Most importantly, because the app allows access to YouTube, kids can easily stumble onto (or search for) very iffy content. A setting to block this functionality would be a major improvement.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Plan a virtual trip to India to see Gandhi's birthplace.
Create a special family tour by stringing together searches of residences or travels -- trips you've taken or plan to take someday.
Play "Where are we?" 20 questions.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Mac, Android, Chromebook, Windows app
- Subjects: Social Studies: cultural understanding, geography, global awareness, Science: ecosystems and the environment, geology, plants, weather, Arts: photography
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: applying information, asking questions, collecting data
- Pricing structure: Free
- Release date: July 5, 2018
- Category: Reference
- Publisher: Google Inc
- Version: 9.153.0
- Minimum software requirements: Requires iOS 14.0 or later, Android version varies by device
- Last updated: January 14, 2022
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