Google Earth Editor's Review

The whole world is now in your hands and on your desktop, with Google’s globetrotting app.

Microsoft once asked ‘Where do you want to go today?’ Now, Google virtually takes you there.

In a world where people want instant answers, Google is number one, thanks to its suite of complementary products. Google Earth takes the search giant’s information ubiquity into the real world, mapping the globe with satellite imagery and Street View cameras, enabling you to search anywhere in the world and giving a great sense of scale from orbit down to neighbourhood level.

Google Earth has been around for a few years and now boasts mobile, desktop and browser-based apps. Thankfully, comprehensive bug fixes have improved all versions. While some areas of the globe still cause problems and there remain some stability issues, the overall experience has come a long way. The way things are heading, it’s only going to get better.

Pros: A powerful, free package; excellent usability; useful features; regularly updated; My Places helps keep track of your travels.

Cons: Some instability; visual interface is a little bland.

Conclusion: Google Earth is intuitive and, best of all, free. The interface may not win any design awards, but panning around and finding geographical information couldn’t be simpler. It’s a case of form meets function, and both work together excellently.

Google Earth is closely linked to Google Maps – and some may find it easier to just use this. But Google Earth remains the most powerful tool for users venturing on a virtual global tour.