Every data layer in Google Earth's catalog comes with important information to help you understand its content, origin, and how it can be used.
Access layer details
You can view a layer's metadata from the data catalog view.
Understand layer metadata
The layer detail view provides key information about the dataset. Look for the following sections:
- Title: The name of the data layer.
- About: Detailed information about the data layer and its purpose.
- Data sources: The source of the data. This may include links to additional resources.
- Data coverage: Regions of the world that are included in the data.
- Last updated: The date when the data was last updated.
- Thumbnail image: A static image representing the data layer.
- Terms of use: Important information regarding how the data can be used.
- Plan: A label on the thumbnail indicating whether a Professional or Professional Advanced plan is required to access the data layer.
- (If applicable) Experimental badging: Experimental (pre-GA) data layers will be highlighted with a green banner over the thumbnail image.
Data usage restrictions
All data layers available in the Google Earth data catalog are subject to specific usage policies and restrictions.
Export restrictions: You cannot export, download, or copy data directly from data layers in Google Earth. This policy protects proprietary data and intellectual property. Projects can be shared with others using the Share button in at the top of the screen.
Privacy-sensitive data: Some data layers may have restrictions to protect privacy. For example, data might not be shown if there are too few data points within a boundary.
Geopolitical considerations: Data availability and boundaries shown within Earth are subject to Google's geopolitical policies.
Understand how data layers change over time
Data layers in Google Earth are dynamic and can be updated, temporarily removed, or eventually deprecated. Understanding these changes helps you maintain accurate projects and anticipate data availability.
Automatically updated layers
When a data layer is updated (for example, new data is added or refreshed), your projects that include that layer will automatically update to the latest version.
- Notifications for updates: For layers with regular update cadences (such as monthly or annually), a badge may appear on the layer's title in the left-hand panel to indicate an update. This visual cue will disappear after a few views or after selecting the layer.
- View changelog: For some data layers, you may be able to view a changelog that details specific changes made with each update. Access this from the layer's detail view in the data catalog.
Data layer classification
There are two types of data layers. These classifications may inform coverage and regional availability:
- Non-aggregated layers: Features that do not rely on political boundaries and contain no regional identity metadata (for example, rasters or elevation).
- Aggregated layers: Data aggregated by a dimension (for example, "population per postal code").
Important notes
- Not all data layers are available for all geographic regions.
- Data layers may have different levels of granularity, aggregation, or anonymization.