Google has announced the discontinuation of the desktop version of Google Earth Pro, a move that has infuriated many loyal users. The Mountain View giant posted an advisory on official support forums, stating that starting June 25, 2027, the application will no longer be available for download. Current users can continue using it, but Google encourages everyone to switch to the web and mobile versions for the best experience.
User reactions: a beloved software sacrificed
The news has sparked widespread criticism on social media and forums. One anonymous user wrote: "Google Earth web is functionally useless for any serious project. The max limit of 250,000 vertices is ridiculous." On Reddit, user sdot-p emphasized: "The impact to thousands of companies across industries will be huge. Earth Pro is integrated in workflows at a scale." Others joked about Google's tendency to kill projects that create too much value without monetization, as documented by the Killed by Google website.
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Timeline and how to save your data
Google has set a clear deadline: until June 25, 2027, users can download Earth Pro. After that, the download will be unavailable, but existing installations will continue to work. To transfer saved places and projects to the web or mobile versions, Google has provided detailed instructions. The company did not explain the exact reasons for the discontinuation, only stating: "We are continuing to make Google Earth on web and mobile the best place for people to get helpful geospatial insights." However, many users believe the decision is tied to low profitability.
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Impact on professionals and businesses: a complex workflow shift
Professionals such as surveyors, engineers, archaeologists, and utility companies will have to adapt established processes. For example, a well-known project called North Korea Uncovered, which used Earth Pro to map North Korea, may not work as well on the web version. The web interface's limitations are seen as intrusive and inflexible, worrying those who require detailed analysis. The farewell to Earth Pro adds to the long list of discontinued Google products, echoing concerns raised in a related article about Sam Altman's OpenAI share distribution policies, which prompt similar questions about the future of digital innovation.
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For those who still want to try the software, it is advisable to download it now from the official Google website. As Wikipedia explains, Google Earth Pro offers advanced measurement and GIS features that make it an irreplaceable tool for many industries. Google's decision marks the end of an era for an application that revolutionized geolocation.
