Google Earth combines satellite imagery, 3D terrain, and interactive features to let you explore the planet and beyond. Whether you’re a casual user or a professional, it’s a powerful tool for learning, discovery, and visualization. This guide shows how to install Google Earth on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, and 20.04 using Google’s official repository.
Why Install Google Earth on Ubuntu?
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.
Key Benefits of Using Google Earth on Ubuntu:
- 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. 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
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
Ensure you are using one of these versions to guarantee compatibility.
Update Your System
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 -yThese commands refresh your package sources and upgrade any outdated packages, ensuring your system is prepared for the installation.
Installing Google Earth on Ubuntu
Follow these steps to install Google Earth on Ubuntu and begin exploring the world with its powerful tools.
Step 1: Install Essential Packages
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 -yThis 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
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/nullAdd the Repository
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.listStep 3: Update APT and Install Google Earth
Refresh your system’s package list to include the new Google Earth repository:
sudo apt updateInstall Google Earth Pro with the following command:
sudo apt install google-earth-pro-stable -yStep 4: Launch Google Earth
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-proUsing the GUI
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 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
Older systems may struggle with rendering complex 3D visuals. 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
Activate the Ocean layer to explore underwater terrains, including marine ecosystems, trenches, and even shipwrecks. This adds an educational and interactive dimension to your Google Earth experience.
Master Keyboard Shortcuts
Efficient Navigation
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
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, start by refreshing your system’s package list:
sudo apt updateThen upgrade Google Earth Pro to the latest version:
sudo apt upgrade google-earth-pro-stableUninstall Google Earth
If you need to remove Google Earth, use the following command:
sudo apt remove google-earth-pro-stable -yAfter 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.gpgTroubleshooting Tips
Resolve Sources.list Conflicts
Conflicts can occur when multiple entries for the Google Earth repository are present in the sources list. This redundancy may cause issues during updates or installations. To resolve this, open your terminal and remove the redundant entries from the sources list by running:
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-earth-pro.listNext, refresh your system’s package list to ensure the changes are applied:
sudo apt updateThese steps will ensure your system has a single, valid entry for the Google Earth repository, preventing potential conflicts during package management operations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, Google Earth can be installed on other Linux distributions like Fedora or Debian by using the respective package managers. However, the installation steps and repository setup may vary depending on the distribution.
If Google Earth fails to launch, ensure your system meets the hardware requirements and has updated graphics drivers. Running the application via the terminal can help diagnose issues by displaying error messages.
To reset Google Earth, delete its configuration files by removing the settings folder in your home directory. Use the following command in your terminal: rm -rf ~/.googleearth. This will reset the application to its default settings.
Google Earth requires an internet connection to download maps and imagery. However, it caches data from areas you’ve previously explored, allowing offline viewing to some extent.
To toggle between 2D and 3D views, click the “2D/3D” button in the bottom-right corner of the interface. You can also adjust the view using keyboard shortcuts or the settings menu.
Blurry images are often due to low internet speed or insufficient graphics resources. Ensure your internet connection is stable and adjust the graphics quality in the application settings for better performance.
To update cached maps, revisit the desired locations with an active internet connection. Google Earth will automatically download and cache the latest imagery for offline use.
Yes, you can customize controls like navigation and measurement settings within the application preferences. Keyboard shortcuts are also configurable for enhanced usability.
Conclusion
With Google Earth installed and optimized on your Ubuntu system, you’re now equipped to explore the world in incredible detail. Whether you’re a student researching historical landmarks, a professional analyzing geographic data, or an enthusiast discovering new places, Google Earth provides the tools to enrich your experience.
Remember to explore advanced features like Historical Imagery, 3D terrain, and Sunlight visualization to unlock the full potential of this powerful tool. If you encounter any issues, revisit the troubleshooting section or leave a comment below for additional guidance.
We’d Love to Hear From You
We’d love to hear from you! Share your favorite Google Earth use cases or tips in the comments section and let us know how you’re using this versatile application.