View a map over time

Current imagery automatically displays in Google Earth. To discover how images have changed over time or view past versions of a map on a timeline:

  1. On your device, open Google Earth.
  2. Search for places.

  3. To view a map over time, you can either:

    • In the toolbar, click Globe with a circular arrow Historical imagery.
    • Click View  >  Globe with a circular arrow Historical imagery.

  4. Select how you want to view the map.

    • To turn on historical imagery view, at the top left, click Historical imagery.
    • To turn on timelapse, at the top left, click Timelapse.

  5. A timeline appears. At the top right, click the timeline to explore the map over time.

    • To find a specific time, you can either:
    • Click the year you want to view in the timeline.
    • Click Previous or Next.
    • To lock the latest imagery, click Last page.
    • To minimize the historical imagery toolbar, at the top right, click collapse_content Collapse.
    • At the top left, the toolbar remains active as a floating chip.

  6. To deactivate historical imagery, click Globe with a circular arrow Historical imagery.

Tips:

  • To optimize your viewing experience, 3D buildings feature is turned off when historical imagery is turned on.
  • Satellite image availability is represented on the slider.
  • Image availability may change as you explore.
  • Years are marked by dots. Smaller dots indicate additional months.
  • If a previously selected year becomes unavailable, its dot on the slider turns gray.
  • Global coverage varies.