Google Earth Now Features Historical Street View - Explore the Past!

Historical Street View Now Available in Google Earth

Google revealed on Tuesday the availability of historical Street View imagery directly within Google Earth. Previously, this feature was exclusively accessible through Google Maps.

According to Google, this expansion provides users with a broader range of perspectives for exploration, encompassing both aerial viewpoints and ground-level perspectives.

Celebrating 20 Years of Google Earth

This update is being released in recognition of Google Earth’s 20th anniversary.

The introduction follows a popular trend from the previous year where individuals utilized Google Maps to virtually revisit the past, locate family members in older imagery, and observe the evolution of locations over time.

Now, this capability is extended to Google Earth, as stated by the technology company.

New AI-Powered Insights for Professionals

Google also announced the introduction of new, AI-driven insights concerning the planet for professional users in the U.S. within Google Earth.

These insights include data on tree canopy coverage for various cities.

For instance, users in Austin, Texas, can now visualize areas with substantial tree cover and pinpoint locations that could benefit from cooling strategies.

Furthermore, access to land surface temperature data allows for the identification of hotter urban areas, aiding in informed urban planning decisions.

A Look Back at Google Earth's History

As part of the 20th-anniversary commemoration, Google highlighted the platform’s origins, noting its 2005 launch and rapid popularity.

Within its first week, Google Earth achieved 100 million downloads.

Google reports that, in the last year alone, users have conducted over 2 billion searches for locations within Google Earth.