Earth

Getting started and basics

Want to use even more features like GIS data, batch geocoding addresses, printing high resolution files, and making movies? Then try Google Earth Pro!

Basic features user guide

Getting to know Google Earth

Next: Sightseeing

The following diagram describes some of the features available in the main window of Google Earth:

Overview of Google Earth

  1. Search panel - Use this to find places and directions and manage search results. Google Earth EC may display additional tabs here.
  2. 3D Viewer - View the globe and its terrain in this window.
  3. Toolbar buttons - See below.
  4. Navigation controls - Use these to zoom, look and move around. See 'Using the Navigation Controls'.
  5. Sign in with your Google account -  When you sign in, you can share to Google+ or email what you're viewing in Google Earth.
  6. Layers panel - Use this to display points of interest.
  7. Places panel - Use this to locate, save, organize and revisit placemarks.
  8. Search in Places - Find your places quickly by searching for them.
  9. Earth Gallery - Click this to import exciting content from the Earth Gallery
  10. Status bar - View coordinate, elevation, imagery date and streaming status here.
  11. Overview map - Use this for an additional perspective of the Earth.

Click the following toolbar buttons to...
Sidebar button Conceal or the display the side bar Sunlight button Display sunlight across the landscape
Placemark button Add a placemark for a location Sky button View the sky, moon and planets
Polygon button Add a polygon Measure button Measure a distance or area size
Path button Add a path (line or lines) Email button Email a view or image.
Image Overlay button Add an image overlay on the Earth Print button Print the current view of the Earth
Record a tour Googlr Maps button Show the current view in Google Maps
Historical imagery button Display historical imagery

Next: Sightseeing