What is the Difference Between Google Earth and Google Earth Pro?

Google Earth and Google Earth Pro are both virtual globe and mapping programs that offer users access to worldwide imagery and location-based layers. However, there are some key differences between the two:

Features: Google Earth Pro is a commercial-oriented upgrade to Google Earth, offering additional features such as GIS data imports, advanced printing and saving modules, and more sophisticated GIS data filtering.
Advanced Measurements: Google Earth Pro allows users to perform advanced measurements, such as measuring land developments and parking lots.
High-Resolution Printing: In Google Earth, you can print screen resolution images, while Google Earth Pro enables users to print premium high-resolution photos.
Historical Data: Google Earth Pro has the feature, within limits, to go back in time using historical data.
Pricing: Google Earth is available for free, while Google Earth Pro used to require an annual subscription of $400. However, Google has since made Google Earth Pro available for free via a web browser or as a download.

In summary, Google Earth is a simplified version of the software aimed at casual users, while Google Earth Pro is designed for more professional purposes, offering additional features and capabilities.

On this page

What is the Difference Between Google Earth and Google Earth Pro?

Comparative Table: Google Earth vs Google Earth Pro

Here is a table comparing the differences between Google Earth and Google Earth Pro:

Feature	Google Earth Free Version	Google Earth Pro Paid Version
Geographical Content	Satellite Imagery, Orthoimagery, StreetView	Satellite Imagery, Orthoimagery, StreetView
Search for Points of Interest	Schools, Parks, Hotels, etc.	Schools, Parks, Hotels, etc.
Driving Directions	Available	Not Available
Creating Data (Points, Lines, Polygons)	Points from a CSV file, create and edit paths, create and modify polygons	Points from a CSV file, create and edit paths, create and modify polygons
Attribute Table	Accessible from the File menu, but limited query support	Accessible from the Tool menu, supports sorting by ascending or descending order but does not support other queries
Drawing Tools	Ruler for measuring distances	Ruler for measuring distances, polygons and circles
Styling Data	Available for lines and polygons	Available for lines, polygons, and points
Exporting Data	Export as image or KML/KMZ file	Export as image or KML/KMZ file
File Management	KML or KMZ file types, My Places and Temporary Places	KML or KMZ file types, My Places and Temporary Places

Both versions of Google Earth offer similar geographical content, such as satellite imagery, orthoimagery, and StreetView. However, the Pro version provides additional features and tools for creating, styling, and managing geospatial data. The Pro version also allows users to access the attribute table directly from the Tool menu and supports advanced printing and saving modules.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.