How to Install Google Earth on Ubuntu 24.04, 22.04, or 20.04
Google Earth Pro is a powerful tool that provides detailed satellite imagery, 3D terrain, and maps. Installing Google Earth on Ubuntu systems is straightforward, and now you can keep it updated more easily by adding the Google APT repository.
Prerequisites
Before proceeding with the installation, ensure your system meets the following prerequisites:
- Administrative Privileges: You need
sudoaccess. - Internet Connection: Required to download and update packages.
System Requirements
To ensure smooth performance, your system should meet the following minimum specifications:
| Component | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| OS | Ubuntu 20.04 LTS or later |
| CPU | 2.4 GHz or faster (Pentium 4, Athlon XP, or newer) |
| RAM | 512 MB or more |
| Graphics | OpenGL 1.4 / DirectX 9 compatible, 64 MB VRAM |
| Storage | At least 2 GB free space |
| Screen Resolution | 1024×768 pixels or higher |
Table of Contents
Supported Versions
Google Earth Pro is officially available for Ubuntu-based systems in .deb format and can be installed via direct download or the APT repository.
Installation Steps
1. Update System Packages
Before installing, update your system:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
2. Install Required Dependencies
Ensure essential packages are installed:
sudo apt install -y wget lsb-release apt-transport-https ca-certificates
3. Add the Google APT Repository (Recommended)
Instead of manually downloading .deb files, you can add Google’s repository for automatic updates.
a. Download and Add Google’s GPG Key
This step ensures that packages from Google are trusted:
wget -qO - https://dl.google.com/linux/linux_signing_key.pub | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/google-earth.gpg > /dev/null
b. Add the Google Earth Repository
Now, add the repository to your sources list:
echo "deb [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
4. Install Google Earth Pro
After adding the repository, update the package list and install Google Earth Pro:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y google-earth-pro-stable
5. Launch Google Earth
Once installed, launch Google Earth Pro from the applications menu or by running:
google-earth-pro
Updating Google Earth Pro
With the APT repository added, Google Earth Pro will update automatically when you run:
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
Uninstalling Google Earth Pro
If you need to remove Google Earth Pro, run:
sudo apt remove --purge google-earth-pro-stable -y
To also remove the repository:
sudo rm /etc/apt/sources.list.d/google-earth.list
sudo apt update
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Google Earth Pro free to use?
Yes, Google Earth Pro is free for all users.
2. Why should I use the APT repository instead of downloading the .deb file?
Using the APT repository ensures that Google Earth Pro receives automatic updates.
3. What should I do if Google Earth fails to start?
Try running it from the terminal to check for errors:
google-earth-pro
If there are missing dependencies, fix them with:
sudo apt install -f
4. Can I install Google Earth on Ubuntu flavors like Xubuntu or Kubuntu?
Yes, the installation process is the same.
5. How do I check my Google Earth Pro version?
Run:
google-earth-pro --version
6. Is a high-speed internet connection required?
A fast internet connection improves performance, but Google Earth Pro can work on slower connections with some limitations.
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