Now available: Google Earth data layers go global

Every high-stakes project happens somewhere. But getting the context you need about that "somewhere" shouldn't require a scavenger hunt.

Historically, answering spatial questions meant hunting down disparate datasets, wrestling with formatting, toggling between tools, and trying to paint a complete picture. It’s a process that drains time and stalls momentum.

We believe you should spend your time making decisions, not wrangling data.

To help you do that, we are putting more geospatial data right at your fingertips. Today, we are excited to announce massive improvements to how professionals utilize data on Google Earth: global coverage of data layers, native Earth Engine raster layers, and a deeply integrated Ask Google Earth experience.

Here is a look at what’s new, and how you can put it to work on Google Earth.

Data layers go global

Reliable data is the foundation of any reliable geospatial work. Previously, gathering this data required digging through disparate local databases or expensive, time-consuming physical site visits to validate ground truth. Now, we are bringing that critical context directly to your digital canvas, everywhere in the world.

What’s new:

• Global data layer expansion: We are expanding coverage for new and popular data layers around the world so you can save time no matter where you work.

With this release we are not only expanding coverage of our most popular layers, we are adding powerful new ones. For example, new layers like inundation history put unique Google data at your fingertips, allowing you to visualize how often places around the world have been wet from 1999 - 2020 at 128-meter resolution to improve planning and response outcomes.

Utilize our new cycling trip percentage layer to see the monthly percentage of trip segments that are completed by bike across the globe. This is the first globally available dataset of its kind, providing insights into cycling activity from Nagoya to Amsterdam, based on anonymized Google location data. This dataset unlocks powerful insights for transportation planners and urban designers who are working to build better, safer, and more extensive infrastructure to encourage cycling and more livable cities.

Lastly, save money and time using terrain data layers to validate buildable acreage in minutes, not months. Instead of flying out a field team or buying bespoke local surveys, today you can toggle on the 20-meter global elevation contours and other layers to instantly evaluate locations remotely around the globe.

Introducing new Google Earth Engine rasters on Google Earth

Efficiency is hindered when you have to constantly toggle between complex GIS coding environments and your visualization platforms just to get a complete picture. Often this even requires multiple teammates trying to work in siloed tools.

We are bridging that gap by bringing the analytical power of Google Earth Engine directly into Google Earth’s intuitive, no-code environment.

What’s new:

• New raster datasets are available in Google Earth: New global data layers from Earth Engine’s most powerful datasets like slope, aspect, forest cover, and more are starting to roll out over the coming days to users around the globe.

With eight new raster layers rolling out in the coming days, it has never been easier to quickly combine raster data, vector data, imagery, and your own data. Combine iconic imagery and professional-grade data in Google Earth to save time and make better decisions.

Ask Google Earth integrates with data layers

Manually finding, formatting, and combining the geospatial data take hours of work. Our mission is to eliminate that busywork entirely. Today, we got a little closer.

Rollout to Experimental begins today for a major Ask Google Earth enhancement. As more users get access in the coming days, Ask Google Earth will be directly integrated with data layers. Use natural language to simply ask for the data you’re looking for and watch Ask Google Earth recommend and pull the data layers required for your project directly onto your canvas, turning manual research into instant insights.

Try these 3 Ask Google Earth prompts to shortcut your path to insight:

Terrain assessment:

• Prompt: "Help me visualize elevation in Golden, Colorado."

• The Magic: Ask Google Earth instantly visualize elevation related data layers on your project.

Urban planning:

• Prompt: "Map out the EV chargers and driveway counts near Jacksonville, Florida.”

• The Magic: Ask Google Earth will plot relevant charging points and add relevant data layers like EV Search Interest.

Site selection:

• Prompt: "Visualize zoning information for Phoenix, Arizona."

• The Magic: Ask Google Earth activates zoning data layers ready for you to filter and style for analysis.

Try these new features today

Excited to explore the expanded data layers and experience the new Ask Google Earth? Try these new features today.

_{Note: Google Earth is currently available in Experimental to US users on the web.}