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Hands On: Google Earth Released as Browser Plugin

by Tim Stevens on June 2, 2008 at 12:15 PM


As we've said before, Google Maps is the king of online mapping software. And, for those looking for a bit more power, sweeping 3-D views of the globe and the like, there's also the downloadable Google Earth. But, that app has always required you to run a separate desktop program, making it less convenient to use than the browser-based Google Maps. That's beginning to change. Google has released a browser plugin version of Earth, and while it's not nearly as functional as the full app, it surely will be before long. Check out our hands-on review after the break.

You still need to download and install the plugin, but once installed (and your browser restarted) you can access the 3-D view of the globe right from in your browser -- assuming you're running Windows. Yes, it's Windows-only for now, but given that Earth is available on Mac and Linux, expect versions for other platforms soon.


The plugin just gives you the zoomable and clickable globe, which you can explore to your heart's content. But, it doesn't include any of the other functionality that Earth includes out of the box, like waypoints, directions, or street views. However, all that functionality (and more) can be added by developers using the Google Earth API, a programmer interface that lets technical types do whatever they like. Google has provided a handful of example apps, ranging from one that lets you directly move from Google Maps to the Google Earth view (shown above, with the Earth view superimposed), and another one called Monster Milktruck that lets you drive all around the world, if you're so inclined.

Right now the plugin is just a toy; fun to play with, but it won't replace either your use of Google Maps or Google Earth. However, in a year or so, expect to see this far more integrated into the web-based Google Maps, with possibly the entire suite of Earth functionality available from inside your browser. Wouldn't that be nice.

If you want to check it out for yourself, you can download it here.

Tags: Google

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