Many people agree that Google Earth Pro sets the standard for map and geographical info programs.

But some are looking for applications like Google Earth that are not made and managed by Google.

It introduced us to the wonders of exploring virtual globes, seeing places with a bird’s eye view, and jetting off to outer space and the deepest parts of the ocean — without having to leave our chair.

However, it’s important to note that Google Earth Pro isn’t the only option out there for features like: aerial photography, geospatial data, being able to zoom around the world for more detail, useful GIS data, that’s available on android, iOS, Mac, Windows and even Linux systems . There are many other apps that you can use in case you get bored with Google Earth or if you need a feature that it doesn’t offer. While not all these apps are great for navigating, and not all have street view, users can get free maps data to use to research, learn and explore our world. While Google does provide us all with great online software, there are other applications that allow us to virtually reach and explore the globe.

We’ve listed some of these alternatives to Google Earth Pro below (btw. we are big fans of Google, Google Earth Pro, Google Maps and the rest. But, sometimes its worth exploring other software platforms just to explore, and that’s what all these programs are about exploring our world. We hope this is of use for you!

NASA World Wind

Google Earth vs NASA World Wind

If there’s one agency that knows more about geography than Google, you can bet that it’s NASA, which is a great alternative to Google Earth, that allows you to explore a virtual globe. Luckily for us, the agency has decided to share its knowledge using the NASA World Wind app, which comes with a wide range of tools and features that give you access to useful geographic data (such as latitude and longitude lines and even political boundaries). It primarily targets developers, but it shouldn’t take you long to master the app over time and make the most of its tools.

As an alternative to Google Earth, that includes useful satellite imagery, it’s quite good. Beautiful and feature rich this complex software program will zoom you around the world, enabling you to see beautiful satellite imagery, weather patterns, all with open source Google Earth alternatives. Street level data is not included, though its free to use online. Works om Windows, Mac as well.

ZoomEarth – Formerly known as the FlashEarth platform

A related option is the ZoomEarth tool. If you’re looking for simple Google Earth alternatives, this no-frills app program, the Zoom Earth is one of your best options. As a simple software program it focuses on bringing users high-quality satellite images of the Earth as well as individual countries and regions, which is great if you need exactly this kind of data. Features are lacking, though as it doesn’t have the large budget of Google, so features like mapping, understanding a place from different angles. Because of this some users find it lacking, and there are alternative free options to explore the world online.

The best thing about ZoomEarth is that it’s browser-based, so there’s no need to download and install any kind of program, so it will work online, so which ever platform you use, a Linux system, Mac, Windows, and android…it will work for free, though support is lacking. It can be hard to find goo support, but that’s not really important as the tools are quite simple.

While it’s not great if you need use a maps feature, or see streets, or maps, or reference GIS Data.

Earth Browser – No longer online

As one of our readers brought to our attention, you can’t find Earth Browser online anymore. It was high on our short list of options, but there are other options for you, with GIS and more that makes exploring places all over the world easy and free.

One of the best things about the Earth Browser is that it doesn’t just provide you with geographic data that’s free and open source. It also throws in weather information reports and forecasts as well as volcano and hurricane information, making it a comprehensive program that can keep up with all of your needs. Explore a virtual model of the Earth to learn more about data, each and every country, then find out what the local climate and weather are like.

Being web based allows for Windows, Linux, android and mac users to use its data, features and tool set. Google Maps is a much better tool for the average user that needs features like Street View, using maps to plan a trip, access regularly updated satellite imagery, navigation…Earth Browser is great software that has solid images but and as an alternative to Google Earth, its cool. As an alternative to Google Maps? Not so much. Works on Windows, Linux and Android.

Marble – Free and Open Source Solution

A great Linux Google Earth Alternative

If you’re looking for a full-featured alternative to Google Earth, this program is for you. This alternative does not have a useful street map for navigating but is still known as one of the best map and geographic information software because it provides users with a wide range of tools and features. These include multiple viewing modes (including street view) as well as highly valuable data like topography, precipitation levels, and traffic situation updates. The best part: it comes with both a desktop program and a mobile app for Android, allowing you to have access to its useful info wherever you go. One drawback is the lack of GIS information which does not allow whole categories of use cases.

To begin using Marble on Linux, note that it’s located in Education category, which will be created for you if you don’t already have the Education category installed. Once open, you can begin exploring the Globe, enjoying the data, imagery. Check out the left pane for the different categories of tools withing the software, to filter the dat, to see our world. As far as alternatives to the Google Earth suite for Linux users this is an excellent option. Let us know in the comments how it works for you!

Left Pane Tools

Navigation allows the user to move around the globe and zoom in and out. Search for cities, but not small towns,return to your set “Home” location, and zoom in and out. Marble supports scrolling and double clicking with zoom features, just like Google Earth Pro/

With the Legend category reveals what you are seeing on the current view with check marks aside the map features, to be able to filter your view of the world. .

You do need to be connected to online to ensure the maps are continually updated. This will be a problem for some users that don’t have great internet, which makes this alternative to Google Earth Pro application not ideal. One cool difference between Marble and Google Earth is the map themes which allows the user to interact with historical maps which is a fun way to imagine how people used to view the world. Marble is also open source and free, though without a map for navigation like Google Earth.

There are different categories of use cases, with different specific needs, not everyone needs a historical map overlaying the globe, but there are alternatives like Marble that do.

Bing Maps 3D

Microsoft’s free alternative to Google Earth

Just like Google, Bing has branched off its search engine roots and created its own mapping application as Google Earth competitor which is free for all users no matter the system you are on. A great map application with many categories of data filters, you are able to access an incredible amount of information, much like Google Earth. Just as there are many free Google options, Microsoft does too! It’s high on many of our reader’s list of good tools that make the web a helpful place.

Users are able to get directions to your destination, plan the best route for your journey, and even know the locations of traffic cameras along the way. This is a great full featured option that allows you to learn about places the world over with maps, navigation, satellite pictures, street view too. Need help? You are able to get good support in the forums with any questions you might have, and there are many power users available to assist. As this is a Microsoft program, it’s not open source but for most users, this will not matter at all. Most users will be able to get all the information they need from this option. This Microsoft application alternative to Google Earth is on Android too.

Choose from Road View, Aerial View, Bird’s Eye View, StreetSide View, and 3D View to get the info you need for your trip.

Explore these Google Earth alternatives now to see which one best fits your needs! Every user is different with unique needs to its hard to say which option is better. Hopefully we have saved people some time with our list of tools for exploring all the places, images and related mapping functions that make using the internet so much fun. You will be able to find all kinds of fun options with this tool.

Questions from our readers:

What app is most like Google Earth?

Bing maps 3D is one of the best alternatives to the Google Maps and Google Earth and users that are looking for similar use cases should check this application our first. It’s got the same great community support, satellite images. and its own maps for navigation. Depending on what place you are looking to understand, and what data you are looking for, Bing Maps 3D is awesome and it’s free! While Google Maps has an excellent free data set, Microsoft delivers a great alternative and allows users that don’t appreciate Google a good option.

What’s the difference between Google Earth and Google Earth Pro? Is Google Earth or Googe Earth Pro better?

Good news: Google Earth and Google Earth Pro are the same tool. It’s funny how often we have gotten this question from people already using Googe Earth!

Google Earth Pro is an application you download and install on your desktop and is free for the user with an awesome set of advanced features for all kinds of needs. The ability to both import and export GIS data, and historical imagery make this offering from Google hard to beat, and while there are good alternatives, it’s worth checking out if you have never used it before to understand the differences. We use the title Google Earth and Google Earth Pro interchangeably. The information system behind this tool is powered by the greatest knowledge collection assembled and this allows you to explore places around the world from the comfort of your computer for free.

It’s also available on PC, Mac, or Linux.

Though this free tool comes with the Google Privacy Policy which not everyone appreciates due to the way Google monetizes this information. Many people online actively seek out alternatives to Google for this specific reason, which we are understanding of and to help, we published this blog. The reach of the Google data operation is vast and this allows for the precise mapping, the accurate street data, and all the different tool sets and applications.

What’s better than Google Earth?

We’d love to know what you think, so if you have the time, leave a comment below!

While there are a few Google Earth alternatives, frankly Google Earth is a great tool.

Google Earth Enterprise is a free open source alternative solution that allows for custom solutions.

Need extra help? Ask your questions in the comments.