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Manila Bulletin devider Technews devider Google Earth celebrates 20 years of exploring our world

Google Earth celebrates 20 years of exploring our world

Published Jun 30, 2025 12:23 pm
This year, Google marks two decades of Google Earth, the revolutionary tool that has changed how we see and interact with our planet.
Over two decades, Google Earth has hit many landmarks, from being downloaded over 100 million times in its first week all the way back in 2005 to empowering people to explore the world from their computer screens – with users searching for places more than 2 billion times in the last year alone.
From the very beginning, Google Earth has been more than just a map. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in the US, it became a vital tool for first responders. Scientists have used its detailed satellite imagery to discover everything from previously unknown coral reefs to a new species of human ancestor. And who could forget the incredible story of Saroo Brierley, who used Google Earth to find his long-lost family, a journey that inspired the film Lion?
To mark this special anniversary, Google is excited to announce a highly anticipated new feature: historical Street View imagery is now integrated directly into Google Earth. This allows users to travel back in time and see how places have transformed over the years, offering a unique perspective on the ever-changing world around us.
This latest update joins a host of other powerful features introduced over the years, including the popular Timelapse function, which visualizes global change, and a suite of creation tools that let users tell their own stories with custom maps and tours.
For professionals, Google Earth has also become an indispensable tool for everything from urban planning to evaluating solar panel installations.
Its global community of millions of users have made Google Earth what it is today after 20 years. As it opens a new chapter, Google looks forward to seeing what new discoveries and stories will emerge as people continue to explore our world together.
Read more about 20 years of Google Earth here.
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