How to Install Google Earth on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04 or 20.04

This guide will demonstrate how to install Google Earth on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04 LTS Linux releases utilizing the command-line terminal with the official Google APT repository that contains the latest builds.

Google Earth stands as a testament to technological marvel, offering users a window to explore the planet from the comfort of their homes. Its key technical features go beyond simple map viewing, enabling a rich, interactive experience that has continually evolved since its inception. At its core, Google Earth provides detailed satellite imagery, topography, and street maps, but its capabilities extend much further, encompassing:

• 3D Views: Dive into detailed three-dimensional visuals of terrain and buildings, offering near-realistic tours of locales around the globe.
• Time Travel: Access historical satellite images to see how landscapes and urban areas have evolved over time.
• Street View Integration: Combine high-resolution street-level photography with global satellite imagery for an immersive exploration experience.
• Layer Customization: Overlay various types of information, such as road networks, place names, weather data, and architectural projects, to customize your view of the world.
• Community Contributions: Explore places enriched with photos and narratives shared by users, adding a personal touch to global landmarks and hidden gems.
• Measurement Tools: Utilize built-in functionality to measure distances and areas anywhere on Earth, aiding in educational, recreational, and professional projects.
• Voyager Experiences: Engage with interactive stories and guided tours on a variety of subjects, from natural wonders to historical insights, created by experts and educators.
• Astronomical Exploration: Venture beyond Earth to explore the cosmos, including stars, planets, and constellations, using the same familiar interface.

Google Earth’s platform serves as a tool for geographical exploration and education and as a foundation for critical applications in disaster response, environmental conservation, and urban planning. Its intuitive interface and robust capabilities make it accessible to a broad audience, from students and educators to researchers and professionals.

Let’s dive into the technical steps to get Google Earth up and running on your Ubuntu system.

Import Google Earth APT Repository on Ubuntu

Update the Ubuntu System Before the Google Earth Installation

Our first step involves making sure that your Ubuntu system is up-to-date. Keeping your system current mitigates the potential for conflicts during the installation process, as outdated software can occasionally disrupt new installations.

To fetch the latest package information from all configured sources, execute the following command in the terminal:

sudo apt update

Once we have an updated list of packages, we’ll proceed to upgrade any outdated software on your system using the subsequent command:

sudo apt upgrade

This command will install all new versions of the software packages available in the repositories. Your system is now ready for the installation of Google Earth.

Installing Initial Packages for Google Earth

Installing Google Earth is straightforward, but you need specific packages for a smooth process. Most Linux distributions already include these standard packages. However, it would be best if you still verified their presence.

To install the packages, enter the following command:

sudo apt install curl software-properties-common apt-transport-https ca-certificates -y

Installing curl facilitates data transfer with URL syntax, software-properties-common manages software repositories, apt-transport-https ensures secure package downloads, and ca-certificates provide standard SSL/TLS certificates. Running this command has no adverse effects on your system if these packages exist.

Add the Google Earth APT Repository

A vital step in installing Google Earth is importing the GPG key for its digital signature. The GPG key serves as a cryptographic identity that verifies the software you’re about to install is authentic, unaltered, and issued by the rightful owner.

To import the GPG key, use the following command:

curl -fSsL https://dl.google.com/linux/linux_signing_key.pub | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/google-earth.gpg > /dev/null

With the GPG key successfully imported, we’re ready to add the Google Earth repository. This repository is the official source from which we’ll download the software. Execute the following command to accomplish this:

echo "deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/google-earth.gpg] http://dl.google.com/linux/earth/deb/ stable main" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-earth.list

Install Google Earth on Ubuntu via APT Commands

With the repository adequately configured and all prerequisite packages in place, we can advance to the main task: installing Google Earth.

Refresh the APT Repository List on Ubuntu for Google Earth

Before installing Google Earth, we must refresh our APT sources lists to include the newly added Google Earth repository. This process ensures the package manager has the most recent metadata related to the packages in the repository.

Invoke the following command to update the APT sources list:

sudo apt update

Install Google Earth on Ubuntu via APT Command

At this point, we’re ready to install Google Earth. It’s important to note that two versions of Google Earth are available – Google Earth Pro and Google Earth Enterprise (EC). Google Earth Pro is free and perfectly adequate for most users, while Google Earth Enterprise is a paid service that offers additional features and capabilities.

To install Google Earth Pro, execute the following command:

sudo apt install google-earth-pro-stable

If you’ve chosen to install the Enterprise version, you can do so with the following command:

sudo apt install google-earth-ec-stable

Note: The Google Earth Enterprise edition commands are just for demonstration purposes. You will run the Google Earth Pro installation command in all circumstances.

Launching Google Earth on Ubuntu

After installing Google Earth on your Ubuntu system, embark on a virtual voyage around our planet. Launch Google Earth through the terminal or Ubuntu’s graphical user interface (GUI). This guide will clearly explain both methods, accommodating all users and their preferred ways of interacting with the Ubuntu system.

CLI Method to Launch Google Earth

Invokinggle Earth from the command line can be a rapid and straightforward process. Th for those adept at using the terminal in Ubuntuis method allows for efficient launching and can save a few valuable seconds compared to the GUI approach.

To initiate Google Earth Pro from the terminal, use the following command:

google-earth-pro

If you have opted for the Enterprise version, the command changes slightly:

google-earth-ec

It’s essential to note that these commands directly correspond to the version of Google Earth installed on your system. Hence, using the correct command is vital for a successful operation.

GUI Method to Launch Google Earth

While the terminal is incredibly potent for managing your Ubuntu system, not everyone is at ease with command-line interactions. Recognizing this, Ubuntu provides a user-friendly and intuitive GUI for performing various system tasks, including launching applications like Google Earth.

To launch Google Earth through the GUI, follow the sequence outlined below:

• Step 1: Click on Activities, located at the top-left corner of your screen.
• Step 2: Then, click on Show Applications. This option is generally represented by a grid of dots at the screen’s bottom-left corner.
• Step 3: In the list of applications, locate Google Earth. If you’ve installed multiple versions, they will be listed accordingly. For instance, Google Earth Pro would appear as Google Earth Pro and Google Earth Enterprise as Google Earth EC. Click on the one you wish to launch.

First-Time Tips with Google Earth on Ubuntu

Now that you’ve successfully installed Google Earth on your Ubuntu system, here are some essential tips to help you navigate and utilize the software effectively:

General Tips for Google Earth on Ubuntu

• Optimize Performance: Adjust the graphics settings based on your hardware capabilities. For smoother performance, especially on older systems, consider lowering the texture quality and turning off 3D buildings and trees.
• Network Configuration: Ensure your firewall or network settings allow Google Earth to access the internet. Some features, like real-time weather or Voyager stories, require a steady connection.
• Use the Search Function Wisely: The search bar is not just for locations; you can use it to find Voyager tours, historical imagery, and user-contributed photos.
• Explore Layers: Layers are a powerful feature in Google Earth. Activate different layers in the sidebar to display places of interest, historical events, and even animal migrations.

Customizations for Enhanced Experience

• Personal Placemarks: Create and customize placemarks for your favorite or frequently visited locations. You can add descriptions, change icon styles, and even categorize them into folders.
• Create Your Own Tours: Utilize the Project feature to create guided tours with multimedia content, including images, text, and hyperlinks, perfect for presentations or educational purposes.
• Change the View: Experiment with the Sunlight feature to see how landscapes look at different times of the day or use the Historical Imagery slider to explore changes over time.
• Keyboard Shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with keyboard shortcuts for a faster and more efficient navigation experience.

Keyboard Shortcuts for Efficiency

• Move Around: Use the arrow keys to pan and the Shift + arrow keys to rotate your view.
• Zoom In and Out: Use the “+” and “-” keys to zoom in and out smoothly.
• Full-Screen Mode: Press F11 to switch to full-screen mode, offering an immersive experience without distractions.
• Capture Screenshots: Use Ctrl + Alt + S to quickly capture screenshots of interesting locations or phenomena.

Other Tips for Google Earth on Ubuntu

• Adjust the Cache Size: If you frequently visit certain areas, increase the disk cache size in the settings to speed up loading times for those locations.
• Explore Water Bodies: Use the Ocean layer and dive beneath the surface to explore marine landscapes and shipwrecks, a feature unique to Google Earth.
• Utilize the Flight Simulator: For a bit of fun, access the hidden Flight Simulator feature by pressing Ctrl + Alt + A, and choose from different aircraft to fly around the world.
• Community and Support: Join the Google Earth community forums for tips, support, and to share your discoveries with other enthusiasts.

With these tips, you’re now equipped to explore the vast functionalities of Google Earth on Ubuntu, enhancing your understanding of the planet and beyond.

Additional Google Earth Commands for Ubuntu

As your proficiency grows while using Google Earth Pro, you may need to engage in more sophisticated operations, such as updating or uninstalling the application.

Update Google Earth

To manage updates for Google Earth Pro, we’ll employ Ubuntu’s built-in utility, the Advanced Package Tool (APT). The first step is to refresh the package list on your Ubuntu system by running the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt update

This command retrieves the latest package information from all configured sources, including the previously added Google Earth Pro repository.

Next, upgrade your system’s packages by executing the following command:

sudo apt upgrade

This command upgrades all outdated packages on your system. To update Google Earth Pro specifically, use the following command:

sudo apt install --only-upgrade google-earth-pro

This command tells APT to focus only on upgrading Google Earth Pro, leaving the rest of your system’s packages as they were.

Remove Google Earth

There could be situations where you might want to uninstall Google Earth Pro from your Ubuntu system. You could troubleshoot a particular issue or consider switching to a different application.

The command to remove Google Earth Pro is as follows:

sudo apt remove google-earth-pro-stable

Enterprise installations would use:

sudo apt remove google-earth-ec-stable

Lastly, remove the Google Earth repository and GPG key with the following command:

sudo rm /usr/share/keyrings/google-earth.gpg
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-earth.list

Troubleshoot Google Earth Multiple Sources.list Conflicts on Ubuntu

Understanding the Sources.list Conflict

When you install Google Earth Pro on Ubuntu, the process creates a specific sources.list file in the /etc/apt/sources.list.d/ directory. Installing multiple versions of Google Earth Pro introduces additional sources.list files into this directory. This redundancy can lead to conflicts during the apt update process, as Ubuntu struggles to manage multiple listings for the same application. Essentially, this is akin to having too many directions for one destination, causing confusion in package management operations.

Identifying the Conflict

You may encounter this issue after using this guide to install Google Earth Pro, followed by the installation of other versions. These subsequent installations generate extra sources.list files, leading to potential conflicts that can affect system updates and the application’s performance.

Resolving the Conflict

To address these conflicts, the initial step involves deleting the conflicting sources.list files. This action ensures that only one, authoritative source file for Google Earth remains active. Execute the following commands in the terminal to remove the unnecessary sources.list files for both Google Earth Pro and Google Earth EC, preserving only the google-earth.list:

sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-earth-pro.list
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-earth-ec.list

After cleaning up these files, updating your package list to reflect the changes accurately is essential. Update the repository information by running the following:

sudo apt update

Following these instructions, you effectively eliminate the confusion caused by multiple Google Earth sources. This ensures your system can seamlessly update and maintain Google Earth Pro or EC, maintaining optimal performance and access to the latest features.

Conclusion

Throughout this guide, we’ve navigated the ins and outs of installing Google Earth on Ubuntu versions 24.04, 22.04, and 20.04 LTS, from setting up the official Google APT repository to troubleshooting potential sources.list conflicts. The journey didn’t just stop at installation; we dived into optimizing your Google Earth experience with practical tips tailored for Linux users. Remember, the smoother performance of Google Earth on your Ubuntu system hinges on regular updates and a keen exploration of its rich features. So, as you embark on your virtual travels across the globe, keep these recommendations in mind for an enriched exploration journey. Safe travels through the digital world!