Exploring Google Earth in Linux
SHOTS OF EARTH
Google Earth lets you view the world from space and zoom in on towns, roads, and even buildings. We’ll show you how to travel the planet from your Linux desktop.
Google Earth [1] brings hi-res aerial views of the whole Earth to your computer desktop. The latest full release, Google Earth 4, integrates satellite and aerial images with Wikipedia text [2], 3D models, and photos from Panoramio [3]. We tried out version 4 in Linux and found the journey quite pleasing – but if you ever decide to integrate your own 3D model, you may need Windows or MacOS.
On Screen
To run Google Earth in Linux, you need a desktop with working 3D acceleration. Apart from this, the software does not ask too much of your computer: a CPU with a clock speed of 500MHz and 128MB RAM are all it takes, although Google does recommend a 2.4 GHz CPU and 512MB RAM to avoid annoying screen refresh delays. Because Google Earth downloads the image data while you are using the tool, you also need a fast Internet connection. The box titled "Installation" tells you how to set up Google Earth on Linux.
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you've found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Fedora 39 Beta is Now Available for Testing
For fans and users of Fedora Linux, the first beta of release 39 is now available, which is a minor upgrade but does include GNOME 45.
-
Fedora Linux 40 to Drop X11 for KDE Plasma
When Fedora 40 arrives in 2024, there will be a few big changes coming, especially for the KDE Plasma option.
-
Real-Time Ubuntu Available in AWS Marketplace
Anyone looking for a Linux distribution for real-time processing could do a whole lot worse than Real-Time Ubuntu.
-
KSMBD Finally Reaches a Stable State
For those who've been looking forward to the first release of KSMBD, after two years it's no longer considered experimental.
-
Nitrux 3.0.0 Has Been Released
The latest version of Nitrux brings plenty of innovation and fresh apps to the table.
-
Linux From Scratch 12.0 Now Available
If you're looking to roll your own Linux distribution, the latest version of Linux From Scratch is now available with plenty of updates.
-
Linux Kernel 6.5 Has Been Released
The newest Linux kernel, version 6.5, now includes initial support for two very exciting features.
-
UbuntuDDE 23.04 Now Available
A new version of the UbuntuDDE remix has finally arrived with all the updates from the Deepin desktop and everything that comes with the Ubuntu 23.04 base.
-
Star Labs Reveals a New Surface-Like Linux Tablet
If you've ever wanted a tablet that rivals the MS Surface, you're in luck as Star Labs has created such a device.
-
SUSE Going Private (Again)
The company behind SUSE Linux Enterprise, Rancher, and NeuVector recently announced that Marcel LUX III SARL (Marcel), its majority shareholder, intends to delist it from the Frankfurt Stock Exchange by way of a merger.