These days, technology has given us mere mortals a privileged view of space. The ability to see any place on Earth in real time, or nearly so, through satellite imagery is fascinating and widely accessible. Here are the best apps that allow you to view homes, cities, and even natural landscapes from the comfort of your smartphone or computer.
Google Earth
Google Earth is perhaps the most popular and recognized satellite mapping application in the world. Developed by the technology giant Google, this application allows users to explore virtually any place on Earth by providing high-resolution aerial imagery. In addition to basic visualization, Google Earth has tools for measuring distances, creating virtual tours, and even simulating flights. One of the distinguishing features of Google Earth is the ability to explore 3D landscapes, such as mountains, valleys, and entire cities.
Bing Maps
Bing Maps is Microsoft’s answer to Google Earth. While it’s primarily known for its mapping and driving directions services, Bing Maps also offers stunning satellite imagery. One of Bing Maps’ unique features is its “Bird’s Eye View,” which provides tilted images of many cities around the world, giving an almost three-dimensional perspective. This view gives users a more realistic sense of the urban environment.
Sentinel Hub
Sentinel Hub is a more specialized and technical application compared to the others on this list. Based on the European Union's Sentinel satellites, this service is primarily aimed at professionals and researchers who need satellite imagery for environmental, agricultural, and climate studies. Sentinel Hub stands out for its ability to provide frequently updated imagery and the wide range of analysis tools it offers.
Zoom Earth
Zoom Earth is a satellite viewing app that stands out for its ability to show images in near real-time. This is particularly useful for observing weather phenomena such as storms, hurricanes, and wildfires as they develop. Zoom Earth combines data from multiple satellites and sources to provide a clear, up-to-date view of our planet.
TerraServer
Originally developed for professionals and businesses, TerraServer now offers the general public the ability to access detailed satellite imagery. Often used by real estate professionals, researchers, and mapping enthusiasts, TerraServer is a valuable tool for anyone who needs a detailed and accurate view of specific land, properties, or areas. While it offers many features for free, some of the more advanced tools are available for a fee.
Conclusion
Satellite technology has revolutionized the way we view our planet. Whether it’s for mere curiosity, professional studies or even to check the view from a future property, there’s an app to suit every need. Today, the world is literally in the palm of our hands.
