Google Earth Pro, the desktop application that allowed millions of users to explore Earth, the Moon, and Mars in 3D, will no longer be available after June 25, 2027. The announcement came from a Google Community manager on a support page, while the app itself started showing notifications about its impending retirement. The decision has sparked discontent among professionals and enthusiasts, who consider the web and mobile versions inadequate to replace the advanced features of the desktop software.
The end of an era for geospatial professionals
Google Earth Pro was more than just a tool to view one's house from above. It offered measurement capabilities, GIS data import, temporal layer visualization, and the ability to work offline with large geospatial datasets. Many urban planners, geologists, and archaeologists used it as part of their daily workflow. With the desktop shutdown, Google pushes users toward the web and mobile versions, but these lack tools such as KML import, precise area and distance measurement, and high-resolution image export.
Sponsored Protocol
User reactions to the news
On forums and social media, users express disappointment. Some point out that the web version still does not support 3D views of Mars and the Moon, one of the most loved features. Others lament the absence of an interface for temporal image analysis, crucial for monitoring environmental changes. One user wrote: 'Google Earth Pro is irreplaceable for my work as a cartographer. The web alternatives are toys in comparison.' A petition to save the desktop version has gathered thousands of signatures in a few hours.
Comparison with other Google decisions
Google has shut down many products in the past, such as Google Reader and Inbox, but the discontinuation of Earth Pro hits a professional sector. While Apple faces antitrust litigation in Europe, Google chooses to streamline its offerings. The difference is that for Apple, legal battles revolve around digital market rules, while for Google, it is a beloved product disappearing due to corporate strategy.
Sponsored Protocol
What will change for loyal users
Until June 25, 2027, Google Earth Pro desktop will continue to work but will no longer receive updates or bug fixes. After that date, the app may stop functioning. Google advises exporting data and using Earth web or mobile. However, for those needing advanced features, the only path may be open-source software like QGIS, which offers many similar tools but requires a learning curve. Meanwhile, fans hope for a reversal, but for now, the news is not positive.
For more details, read the original article on Android Authority.
Source: https://www.androidauthority.com/google-earth-pro-desktop-sunset-3685256
