What is Google Earth Timelapse?
Google Earth Timelapse is a global, zoomable video that shows how the Earth has changed since 1984. You can fly to any spot on the planet and watch decades of satellite images play year by year, so you can see cities spread, rivers shift, glaciers shrink and forests get cleared.
It is part of Google Earth Engine, and the current version covers 1984 to 2022 using Landsat imagery. A side panel features timelapses from around the world, an address search takes you to your own area, and you can share or embed a view. The same timelapse is also available inside Google Earth.
Main Features
- A zoomable timelapse of the whole Earth from 1984 to 2022
- Built from Landsat satellite images
- Featured timelapses from around the world
- Search for an address or place
- Share a view with a link
- Embed a timelapse on your own site
- Also available as a layer in Google Earth
How to Get Started with Google Earth Timelapse
- Open earthengine.google.com/timelapse.
- Let the featured timelapse play.
- Pick another place from the panel of featured timelapses.
- Search for your city or zoom into any spot on the map.
- Share the view with a link when you find something striking.
Google Earth Timelapse Pricing
Google Earth Timelapse is free and needs no account.
Who Should Use It?
- Students learning about climate and land use
- Teachers who want a striking visual for class
- Journalists and writers covering environmental change
- Curious people who want to see their city grow
Google Earth Timelapse Alternatives
- Earth Nullschool shows live wind and weather on a spinning globe.
- Ancient Earth shows where your town sat on the globe millions of years ago.
- Wonders of Street View collects surprising Street View spots from around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Google Earth Timelapse free?
Yes. It is free to use in your browser and needs no account.
What years does Google Earth Timelapse cover?
The current version runs from 1984 to 2022.
Where do the images come from?
The timelapse is built from Landsat satellite images, processed with Google Earth Engine.
Can I see my own town?
Yes. Use the search box or zoom in on the map to watch any place change over time.
Is Timelapse in Google Earth too?
Yes. The same timelapse can also be explored inside Google Earth.