Posted on 01/31/2015 9:24:03 PM PST by LibWhacker
Google has recently revealed that it is dropping the paid subscription from Google Earth Pro, a more robust version of its Google Earth software. The Pro service will now be available for free, previously costing $399 per year. While the standard version of Google Earth has often been more than enough for casual map and globe users, the Pro version has seen use among professionals from scientists to businesses, who have been able to take advantage of advanced features previously not available for free.
Among the main differences between Google Earth and its Pro sibling are high-resolution imagery and automated geographic location. Pro allows users to print high-res photos, but standard limits printing images to screen resolution. Similarly, Google Earth Pro has the ability to use Super Image Overlays, based on imported image files that are above the max texture size, while the free version limits image files to that max texture size. Also, geographic information system images have to be geo-located manually with Google Earth, but Pro will do so automatically.
The imagery found in Google Earth is the same between the two versions, however Pro has features such as animated movie creation and area measurements that are targeted for businesses. In addition, Google Earth Pro gives access to multi-point mapping, and data layers for demographics and traffic. An example of some of the demographic data available for each U.S. state includes age, current year income, and education.
For those interested in getting started with Google Earth Pro, the software must be downloaded first, then users must request a key to register, which is no longer subscription based. Existing users will have no changes to their accounts, as their currents keys should continue without expiration.
“Why are they making this free?”
The data mining of what you are looking at must be a gold mine otherwise.
BAH, I’m also having those problems with registering, but am not getting past them as you guys did < |:(~
You tried to click back to the page with your information, and resubmitting it?
I’m waiting forever for them to send me my email with the code.
Yep, still no workee. < |:(~
Ah, just tried it using another browser (Safari, not Firefox) and it worked.
It took over ten tries but finally worked. Sent me the ID instantly.
Tried it...it’s ok but I find the old G map works better, even on a more than capable machine and internet over 100 mbps.
It could be the settings. When I zoom in it automatically goes to terrain or street view.
Fast enough and some cool features but Bing maps does more what I want except for street view.
Perhaps someone who knows the program can turn us on to some quick uses, to reveal what makes this one better.
That would be handy if true when working wildfires and other large spread out incidents.
Mrs p6 is exploring it now. She is not what anyone would call a tech wiz.
She is having zero problems and so far thinks it’s a good program. Very intuitive for her.
Waiting for her final ruling...
FWIW mrs p6 has been using it with no problems for over an hour. No input or help needed.
She finds it very interesting and especially likes the property line/parcel data as well as finding info on places she didn’t know about. IOW new sewing, knitting, womick kinda stuff.
Most of the data is available other places but this puts it all in one spot.
She is also getting her kicks from Hey Google and Cortana....
Bottom line Google maps pro gets the mrs p6 seal of approval.
Bookmark
Wow, it’s hard. I swing wildly out of control and crash almost immediately every time. I better stay out of the cockpit!
I have found that Firefox doesn’t work as well as it used to. Karma’s a b*tch.
” existing paid users, especially recent ones, must be pissed.”
Nah....it paid for itself and then some.
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