This is sometimes done in emergency situations - such as when an area has been hit by a natural disaster and new images would be of valuable assistance to the recovery and relief efforts. However, Google and its image providers do have the ability to rapidly integrate new images into the program. The images are acquired by satellites, processed by commercial image providers or government agencies, and then updated to the Google Earth image database in batches. Large cities generally have more recent and higher resolution images than sparsely inhabited areas.Ī misconception exists among some people that the images displayed in the Google Earth program are live-updated directly from satellites. Most of the images in Google Earth were acquired within the past three years, and Google is continuously updating the image set for different parts of the Earth. Hope you enjoy! Recent Images, Updated Regularly We are simply enthusiastic users of the Google Earth product. click the map to define your search area (for advanced map tools, view the help. Scroll down and enable the toggle next to 'Start Maps in Satellite View.' On an iPhone or iPad, click the layers button, then select 'Satellite' from the listed map types. We frequently use Google Earth for research, learning, and fun! We receive no compensation from Google for recommending their service. Query and order satellite images, aerial photographs, and cartographic. To start Google Maps in satellite view on Android, open Google Maps, tap your profile icon, and open Settings. The button above takes you to the Google website where you can download Google Earth software for free.