Google would have to constantly hire pilots traversing the globe to keep up with potential changes. Both take time to obtain and implement, and aerial photos are relatively expensive. Google Earth FAQs Why doesn’t Google Earth Update Continuously?Īs previously mentioned, Google Earth combines satellite images and aerial photographs. After all, the Earth is a prominent place. While this situation is inconvenient, it is understandable. Given the intense effort required to systematically catalog and piece together all the images needed for Google Earth, it’s no wonder it takes years to update. When Google releases an update, they also release a KLM file that outlines the updated regions in red, letting everyone know what got changed and what’s still waiting for a refresher. To see how images have changed over time, view past versions of a map on a timeline. A single Google Earth update might contain a handful of cities or states. Google Earth automatically displays current imagery. Google does not update the entire map in each go. If you’re anxiously awaiting an update on your hometown, don’t assume it will appear in Google’s subsequent changes.

Google satellite view