Frequently Asked Questions

[Lina Raffaelli]

A full list of FAQ's are avaliable on the Google Earth Education website. 

Here are some common questions at-a-glance. If you don't see your question here, please visit the FAQ page 

What is the browser based version of Google Earth?

Google Earth is a web based 3D virtual globe that puts the world’s geographic information at your fingertips. Google Earth was first launched 10+ years ago as a desktop application, and has been used by teachers worldwide since then, across all subject matters. However, in the past it had to be downloaded and installed on your Windows, Mac or Linux computer.

 

By making Google Earth a web application earlier this year, it now can be used on most computers including Chromebooks, without a download. It’s now easier to use in the classroom, and to inspire the next generation of curious minds to explore, learn and care about our vast, beautiful planet.

 

What makes Earth useful for education?

With Google Earth, it is possible to explore the world and learn a bit about how it all fits together from a variety of different lenses. Google Earth is easy to use and presents, in a geospatial context, a great deal of information that applies to topics ranging from natural sciences to social sciences, history, art, engineering and most other topics that have a geographic component. By offering the ability to place this information in combination on a three-dimensional model of the Earth, it can facilitate understanding of the Earth system and the many subject areas that comprise it.

 

For example a teacher may kick off a unit about homes by projecting Google Earth at the front of a classroom using the Voyager “This is Home” experience.