Google Earth, the iconic 3D globe and mapping platform, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a major upgrade that blends nostalgia with cutting-edge technology. The latest update introduces historical Street View imagery to Google Earth for the first time, allowing users to visually time-travel through neighborhoods and landmarks. In addition, AI-driven insights powered by Google’s Gemini model are set to roll out soon, offering powerful tools for environmental analysis and urban planning.
For South African users – from educators and urban developers to digital storytellers – these features open up new possibilities for exploration, research, and innovation.
Previously available only on Google Maps, historical Street View imagery is now integrated into Google Earth. This means users can explore how a location has evolved over time, toggling between different years to see changes in infrastructure, vegetation, and urban development.
Whether you’re revisiting your childhood street in Cape Town or tracking the transformation of Johannesburg’s skyline, this feature offers a deeply personal and educational experience. It also supports both bird’s-eye and street-level views, making it ideal for everything from school projects to professional presentations.
Coming soon to Google Earth Pro is a suite of AI-powered insights designed to help users better understand environmental and urban dynamics. These tools will allow users to:
- Analyze tree canopy coverage in cities
- Access land surface temperature data
- Identify urban heat islands and areas in need of cooling interventions
These insights are especially relevant for South African cities grappling with climate change, water scarcity, and rapid urbanization. Planners, researchers, and NGOs can use this data to inform sustainable development strategies and community resilience efforts.
South Africa’s diverse geography and socio-economic landscape make tools like Google Earth invaluable. With historical imagery, educators can teach students about spatial change and environmental impact. Conservationists can monitor deforestation or wetland loss. And municipalities can use AI insights to design greener, more livable cities.
The update also aligns with the country’s growing interest in geospatial intelligence, smart city planning, and digital education – sectors that are increasingly powered by open data and AI.
