How to Explore the World with Google Earth

Google Earth is a free app that lets you fly anywhere on Earth and look at satellite photos, street-level images, and 3D views of buildings and mountains. You can explore your old neighborhood, check out places you want to visit, or take a virtual tour of famous landmarks — all from your couch.

It is different from Google Maps. Google Maps helps you get from point A to point B. Google Earth is more like an interactive globe you can spin, zoom into, and explore at your own pace.

Google Earth is free and works on iPhones, Android phones, iPads, and in a web browser on any computer. You do not need a Google account to use it, though signing in lets you save places and create your own tours.

On a phone, you control the view by tapping, pinching, and swiping. On a computer, you use your mouse to click and drag, and scroll to zoom in and out.

Google Earth also has a feature called "Voyager" that offers guided tours of interesting places around the world — from the Amazon rainforest to ancient ruins. These tours include narration and photos, making them a great way to learn while you explore.

Street View inside Google Earth lets you drop down to ground level and look around as if you were standing there. This is a great way to preview a neighborhood before visiting, or to revisit a place you have not been in years.