Google Earth: 3D satellite map viewer

Google Earth is a travel and mapping application by Google LLC that lets you examine the planet through high-resolution satellite imagery, 3D terrain, and street-level perspectives. Since its original release in 2010, the app has grown from a desktop-style globe viewer into a mobile tool for exploring cities, mountains, and neighborhoods from virtually any angle. The current version focuses on a refreshed interface and collaborative map-making, so the experience is no longer just about looking at the world—it is also about building and sharing your own layered views of it.

With the latest update, dated October 2026, the app introduces a cleaner look and several features aimed at teamwork and on-the-go creation. You can now collaborate with others across devices, craft maps while moving, and attach photos straight from your camera to your custom layers. This shifts the emphasis toward user-generated content, complementing the built-in collections such as Voyager tours from sources like BBC Earth and NASA. The core exploration tools remain intact: zoom into a house, inspect 3D buildings in hundreds of cities, or drop into Street View for a 360-degree look at a block.

Because this is a free app with no ads and no in-app purchases, the main trade-off is privacy-related. The permissions list includes identity, contacts, location, photos and media, storage, and camera. That is a broad set of access points, so it is worth understanding why each is requested. Location obviously supports map positioning, and camera or storage ties into adding your own photos to maps. However, identity and contacts suggest the collaboration features may reach into your social graph. You should review these permissions carefully before granting them, especially if you only plan to use the app for casual exploration rather than shared projects.

Key features

• High-resolution satellite imagery of the entire globe
• 3D terrain for the whole planet and 3D buildings in hundreds of cities
• Street View integration for 360-degree perspectives at street level
• Voyager guided tours from partners such as BBC Earth, NASA, and National Geographic
• Collaborative map creation across devices with the latest update
• Ability to create maps on the go and add photos from your camera
• Fresh visual design introduced in the most recent release

How to install

1. Tap the download button on this page to get the APK file, which is 11 MB in size.
2. When Android asks for permission, allow your browser or file manager to install apps by enabling the 'Install unknown apps' setting for that app.
3. Open the downloaded APK file from your notifications or file manager.
4. Tap Install on the confirmation screen and wait for the process to finish.
5. Open Google Earth from your app drawer once installation completes.
6. Make sure your device runs Android 4.1 or higher, as this is the minimum version supported.

Recent updates

Google Earth has been refreshed with a new look and tools that make it easier to collaborate with others across devices. You can now create maps while on the go and attach photos from your camera directly to your maps, helping you build richer, more personal projects.

This app suits travelers who want to scout destinations before a trip, students or educators looking for an interactive way to study geography, and curious explorers who enjoy viewing the world from above. It is also useful for hobbyists who like creating and sharing custom maps with friends or colleagues.

If you are concerned about privacy, consider denying the contacts permission during setup—core map exploration still works without it, and you can always grant it later if you decide to use collaboration features.

Google Earth remains a powerful and visually impressive tool for exploring the planet, and the latest update makes it more collaborative than ever. The free, ad-free nature is a clear plus, but the wide-ranging permissions demand a cautious approach. For casual browsing of satellite imagery and 3D landscapes, it is hard to beat; for privacy-sensitive users, you will want to tweak settings and permissions before diving into the social features.