You’ll find the save feature under file > save > save image. If you want to use 3D imagery, historical imagery or perspective view, continue to option 3.įigure 4: Save image options in Google Earth Pro. If you need a larger area than your computer can handle, save out multiple images and stitch them together. I was able to capture an image of 10,000 pixels by 7,000 pixels at a size of 117 MB, but when trying to save a 20,000 pixel by 16,000 pixel image, the screenshot feature produced a blank image. The size of the map you can capture is mainly limited by the computer’s processing power and your internet download speed. When using large dimensions, the map window is largely off-screen, which is where a screen capture tool that can capture the whole page comes in handy. It allows you to assign custom colors to the vector-based map, and then the pixel dimensions can be specified.

If you’d like to export an image of Google Map’s vector data or 2D satellite imagery, Google Map Customizer is the tool for you. Additional sites where satellite imagery can be found include DigitalGlobe, USGS Landsat and Satellite Imaging Corporation. If you wish to use the imagery for commercial purposes, make sure it is in the public domain, or purchased. Depending on the source of the imagery, it may come in a variety of formats, including GeoTIFF or JPEG 2000. The GIS data is older, but much higher resolution. The left is orthoimagery is from Amherst, MA GIS Data, while the right is from Google Earth. Your area might have local GIS orthoimagery that is of higher quality than the national imagery. The United States has orthoimagery available at The National Map that is free to download and in the public domain. Getting Satellite Imagery Option 1: GIS Dataīefore going to Google Earth or Maps, see if there is any GIS satellite imagery available in your area. Software: Google Earth, Google Maps, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Image Composite Editor This tutorial will show you how to find, download, print, and stitch together those images.

High resolution imagery can be used for many purposes, including digital and print maps, backgrounds for drawings, or perspective images of the new 3D imagery. This post has been heavily updated since its original published date of January 1, 2014.

Google maps aerial view