Dive into global exploration from your Ubuntu desktop with Google Earth, an application renowned for its stunning combination of satellite imagery, 3D terrain, and interactive features. Whether you’re a casual explorer, a dedicated student, or a professional analyst, Google Earth offers an unparalleled platform for learning, discovery, and data visualization. This guide will streamline the process, showing you exactly how to install Google Earth on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, and 20.04 LTS releases using Google’s official repository, getting you ready to navigate the world in minutes.
Why Install Google Earth on Ubuntu?
In essence, Google Earth is a versatile application that allows users to explore our planet through high-resolution satellite imagery, 3D maps, and interactive features. By installing it on Ubuntu, you gain access to advanced tools for visualization, exploration, and research, all in a lightweight, Linux-friendly package.
Ubuntu’s open-source nature and reliable performance make it an excellent platform for running Google Earth, offering seamless compatibility and support for a wide range of devices. Whether you’re planning a trip, studying geography, or analyzing terrain for research, Google Earth provides an unmatched digital mapping experience.
Specifically, some of the Key Benefits of Using Google Earth on Ubuntu include:
- Enhanced Performance: Ubuntu ensures efficient resource usage, making Google Earth run smoothly even on modest hardware.
- Customizability: Take advantage of Ubuntu’s open-source flexibility to tailor your setup for better integration with mapping tools.
- Regular Updates: Google’s official repository keeps the application updated with the latest features and bug fixes.
Common Use Cases for Google Earth on Ubuntu
Google Earth isn’t just a tool for viewing maps; it’s a powerful platform for a wide variety of users. For instance, here are some common scenarios where Google Earth excels:
- Researchers:
Analyze topographic data, monitor environmental changes, or study urban development with high-resolution satellite imagery. - Travelers:
Plan trips by exploring destinations in 3D, checking landmarks, and visualizing routes. - Students and Educators:
Enhance learning experiences by using Google Earth in classrooms for geography, history, and environmental studies. - Real Estate Professionals:
View properties and neighborhoods in detail to aid in decision-making and client presentations. - Outdoor Enthusiasts:
Plan hikes, climbs, or camping trips by studying terrain and trails.
Prerequisites for Installing Google Earth on Ubuntu
Before installing Google Earth, ensure your system is ready by meeting the following requirements:
Supported Ubuntu Versions
Google Earth supports the following Ubuntu LTS versions:
- Ubuntu 24.04
- Ubuntu 22.04
- Ubuntu 20.04
Consequently, ensure you are using one of these versions to guarantee compatibility.
Update Your System
Firstly, to avoid potential compatibility issues, update your system’s software and package lists to the latest versions. Open your terminal and run the following commands:
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y
These commands refresh your package sources and upgrade any outdated packages, ensuring your system is prepared for the installation.
Installing Google Earth on Ubuntu
Therefore, follow these steps to install Google Earth on Ubuntu and begin exploring the world with its powerful tools.
Step 1: Install Essential Packages for Google Earth on Ubuntu
Before installing Google Earth, ensure your system has the necessary tools and certificates for secure and smooth installation. Run the following command in your terminal:
sudo apt install curl software-properties-common apt-transport-https ca-certificates -y
To begin with, this command installs essential utilities like curl
for downloading files, software-properties-common
for repository management, and certificates for secure HTTPS connections.
Step 2: Add the Google APT Repository
Import the GPG Key
Crucially, Google provides a GPG key to authenticate the repository and its packages. Import the key by running:
curl -fSsL https://dl.google.com/linux/linux_signing_key.pub | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/google-earth.gpg > /dev/null
Add the Repository
Following this, once the key is imported, add the official Google Earth repository to your system’s sources list:
echo "deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/google-earth.gpg] http://dl.google.com/linux/earth/deb/ stable main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-earth.list
Step 3: Update APT and Install Google Earth on Ubuntu
Next, refresh your system’s package list to include the new Google Earth repository:
sudo apt update
Then, install Google Earth Pro with the following command:
sudo apt install google-earth-pro-stable -y
Step 4: Launch Google Earth on Ubuntu
Once installed, you can launch Google Earth using either the terminal or the graphical user interface (GUI).
Using the Terminal
Run the following command in your terminal to open Google Earth Pro:
google-earth-pro
Using the GUI
Alternatively, search for “Google Earth Pro” in your application menu and click on the icon to launch the program.
Tips for First-Time Users
Google Earth offers a versatile set of features to enhance your exploration experience. Follow these tips to make the most of your first-time use.

Optimize Performance
Adjust Graphics Settings
For example, for smooth performance, adjust the graphics settings to match your hardware capabilities. High-end systems can handle advanced visual features, but if you experience lag, reducing texture quality and disabling extra features like trees and terrain shadows can improve responsiveness.
Disable 3D Buildings
Similarly, older systems may struggle with rendering complex 3D visuals. Therefore, disabling 3D buildings ensures smoother navigation while still offering detailed map views.
Leverage Advanced Features
Explore Sunlight Dynamics
Use the Sunlight tool to visualize landscapes at different times of day. This feature is ideal for analyzing shadows, seasonal changes, or simply enjoying scenic sunrises and sunsets.
Dive Into Ocean Layers
Furthermore, activate the Ocean layer to explore underwater terrains, including marine ecosystems, trenches, and even shipwrecks. Indeed, this adds an educational and interactive dimension to your Google Earth experience.
Go Back in Time with Historical Imagery
Additionally, Google Earth allows you to view historical satellite images of an area, showing how it has changed over time. Look for the “Historical Imagery” button (often a clock icon) in the toolbar to access this fascinating feature, perfect for observing urban growth, environmental changes, or simply satisfying curiosity about the past.
Master Keyboard Shortcuts
Efficient Navigation
In particular, keyboard shortcuts save time and make navigation seamless. Use these essential shortcuts to enhance your workflow:
- Arrow keys: Pan across the map smoothly.
- Shift + Arrow keys: Rotate the view to explore from different angles.
- Ctrl + Alt + S: Capture a screenshot to save or share your discoveries.

Updating or Removing Google Earth on Ubuntu
Keeping Google Earth updated ensures you have the latest features and security patches. If needed, you can also uninstall the application and clean up associated files.
Update Google Earth
To update Google Earth to the latest version, first, start by refreshing your system’s package list:
sudo apt update
Subsequently, upgrade Google Earth Pro to the latest version:
sudo apt upgrade google-earth-pro-stable
Uninstall Google Earth
If you need to remove Google Earth, use the following command:
sudo apt remove google-earth-pro-stable -y
Moreover, after uninstalling, clean up the repository and associated GPG key to remove all traces of Google Earth from your system:
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-earth.list
sudo rm /usr/share/keyrings/google-earth.gpg
Troubleshooting Tips
Resolve sources.list
Conflicts
For instance, conflicts can occur when multiple entries for the Google Earth repository are present in your APT sources configuration. This might happen if different .list
files define the same repository, or if a single file contains duplicate entries. Such redundancy can unfortunately lead to issues during system updates or software installations.
To resolve a common scenario—like a duplicate entry related to the google-earth.list
file created earlier in this guide—you can inspect and remove the redundant file. Always exercise caution when modifying files in /etc/apt/sources.list.d/
. If you identify an older or conflicting file, such as google-earth-pro.list
, that might also require removal. A specific command to remove the google-earth.list
file, if it’s the source of the conflict or if you’re cleaning up, would be:
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-earth.list
Next, refresh your system’s package list to ensure the changes are applied:
sudo apt update
Ultimately, these steps will ensure your system has a single, valid entry for the Google Earth repository, thereby preventing potential conflicts during package management operations.
Conclusion
And there you have it! With Google Earth now successfully installed on your Ubuntu system, a planet’s worth of digital exploration is literally at your fingertips. This guide aimed to make the setup smooth and straightforward, so you can spend less time configuring and more time discovering everything from breathtaking global landmarks to the intricate details of your own neighborhood. So go ahead, dive into those 3D terrains, play with the historical imagery, and see where your curiosity takes you. Happy exploring!