Google Earth Studio
An animation tool that choreographs Google Earth's satellite and 3D imagery with keyframes
About Google Earth Studio
Google Earth Studio is an animation tool for Google Earth's satellite and 3D imagery. It drives camera movement around the globe with keyframes, and its interaction model is close to industry-standard animation software, so motion designers can get started right away. The tool supports exporting camera data to Adobe After Effects, making it easy to add map labels and pin markers in post-production. Earth Studio is free to use, requires applying for access with a Google account, and currently runs only in desktop Google Chrome.
Best for
Best use cases
Choreograph animated camera moves around the globe with keyframes
Export camera data to Adobe After Effects for post-production compositing
Overlay map labels and pin markers on the final footage
Produce geographic imagery content for research, education, film and media, and nonprofit topics
Features
Keyframe animation
Set keyframes just as in other industry-standard animation tools, then move the camera around the globe to build your animation segment by segment.
Satellite and 3D imagery
Create globe-view shots using Google Earth's satellite and 3D imagery as your source material.
Export to After Effects
Export camera data to Adobe After Effects for continued work in professional post-production software.
Post-production labels and pins
Add map labels and pin markers to your shots during post-production.
Pros
- The official website explicitly states it is free to use
- The keyframe workflow is close to industry-standard animation software, so motion designers can pick it up right away
- Supports exporting camera data to Adobe After Effects for professional post-production workflows
- Create globe-view animations directly on Google Earth's satellite and 3D imagery
Cons
- Requires a Google account and a form-based application for access, and currently runs only in desktop Google Chrome
- Google currently does not grant licensing for commercial use of Google Earth imagery, so Earth Studio content without attribution cannot be used commercially