How to Find the Elevation on Google Earth? A Comprehensive Guide

Finding the elevation on Google Earth is remarkably simple. Google Earth provides several intuitive methods to determine the altitude of any location on the planet, allowing users to access this information directly through the application’s interface or through third-party tools that integrate with Google Earth data. Whether you’re planning a hike, analyzing terrain, or simply curious about the world around you, mastering elevation finding in Google Earth is a valuable skill.

Understanding Elevation in Google Earth

Before diving into the methods, it’s important to understand what elevation represents. Elevation, often referred to as altitude, refers to the height of a location above mean sea level. This is the standard reference point for measuring the vertical position of geographic features and locations. Google Earth uses digital elevation models (DEMs) to represent the terrain and calculate elevation values. These DEMs are created from satellite imagery, topographic maps, and other data sources.

Methods to Determine Elevation

Google Earth offers several ways to find elevation. Let’s explore the most common and effective methods:

The Cursor Method

This is the simplest and most direct method. As you move your cursor across the Google Earth map, the elevation at the cursor’s current location is displayed in the bottom right-hand corner of the application window. This information updates in real-time as you move your mouse. The displayed elevation is generally accurate, although it can be subject to minor variations depending on the quality of the underlying DEM.

Using Placeholders

Adding a placeholder, also known as a placemark, is another way to get the elevation.

1. Zoom to the area of interest. Use the zoom controls or search for a specific location.
2. Click the “Add Placemark” button. This icon looks like a thumbtack or pushpin.
3. Position the placemark on the exact location for which you need the elevation.
4. Right-click on the placemark in the “Places” panel (on the left side of the screen).
5. Select “Properties” (Google Earth Pro) or “Get Info” (Google Earth Web). This will open a window displaying various details, including the elevation.

This method is particularly useful when you need to record and refer back to the elevation of specific points.

Creating a Path

If you’re interested in the elevation profile along a route, the path tool is invaluable.

1. Click the “Add Path” button. This icon looks like a line.
2. Click points along your desired route on the map. Each click creates a vertex in the path.
3. Once you’ve finished drawing the path, give it a name and click “OK”.
4. Right-click on the path in the “Places” panel and select “Show Elevation Profile”.
5. A graph will appear showing the elevation change along the entire path. You can move your cursor along the graph to see the elevation at any point along the path.

This is excellent for planning hikes or understanding the terrain along a proposed route.

Elevation Exaggeration

While not directly providing the elevation, Google Earth allows for elevation exaggeration, which can visually enhance the terrain and make it easier to discern relative heights and slopes. Access this setting in the Google Earth Pro version under Tools > Options > 3D View, where you can adjust the “Elevation Exaggeration” slider. Be cautious, as over-exaggeration can distort the true appearance of the landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to deepen your understanding of finding elevation in Google Earth.

1. How accurate is the elevation data in Google Earth? The accuracy of elevation data in Google Earth varies depending on the region and the source data used to create the DEMs. In general, you can expect an accuracy of +/- 30 meters in areas with high-quality data, but it can be less accurate in remote or mountainous regions. Always verify critical elevation information with other reliable sources.

2. Can I find the elevation of locations underwater using Google Earth? No, Google Earth primarily displays elevation data for land surfaces. While you can see the ocean floor in some areas, the elevation data is not as accurate or detailed as that for land. Bathymetric data (depth below sea level) is handled differently and may not be readily available or reliable within Google Earth for most underwater locations.

3. What is the difference between elevation and altitude? In most contexts, the terms elevation and altitude are used interchangeably to refer to the height of a location above mean sea level. Technically, altitude is a more general term that can refer to height above any reference point, while elevation specifically refers to height above sea level.

4. Does Google Earth Pro offer any advantages for finding elevation over the web version? Yes, Google Earth Pro, which is now free, offers some advantages. It typically has access to higher-resolution imagery and potentially more accurate elevation data in some areas. Additionally, the Pro version offers tools for more advanced analysis and measurement.

5. Can I export elevation data from Google Earth? While Google Earth itself doesn’t offer direct export of elevation data for large areas, you can extract elevation values for specific points or paths. For more extensive data extraction, consider using third-party tools or GIS software that can interface with Google Earth KML/KMZ files or access the underlying DEM data.

6. Are there alternative ways to find elevation besides Google Earth? Absolutely. Online topographic maps, GIS software (such as QGIS or ArcGIS), and specialized websites like “What is my elevation.com” are excellent alternatives. GPS devices also provide real-time elevation readings.

7. How do I interpret the elevation profile graph in Google Earth? The elevation profile graph displays the distance along the path on the horizontal axis and the elevation on the vertical axis. By moving your cursor along the graph, you can see the corresponding elevation and location on the path. Steeper sections of the graph indicate steeper slopes on the ground.

8. Why does the elevation sometimes change slightly when I zoom in or out? This is due to the varying levels of detail in the underlying DEMs. As you zoom in, Google Earth may switch to a higher-resolution dataset, resulting in a more precise elevation value. Zooming out may use a lower-resolution dataset, leading to slight variations.

9. Can I use Google Earth to estimate the height of buildings or trees? While Google Earth can provide a rough estimate of the height of objects like buildings, it’s not its primary function, and the accuracy may be limited. The best way to estimate the height of objects is to use measurement tools in Google Earth Pro and triangulate their height based on shadows and surrounding terrain.

10. What does “mean sea level” mean in the context of elevation? Mean sea level (MSL) is the average height of the sea surface over a long period, typically 19 years, to account for tidal variations and other fluctuations. It serves as a consistent and internationally recognized reference point for measuring elevation.

11. How can I improve the accuracy of elevation measurements in Google Earth? Ensure you are using the latest version of Google Earth, which often includes updated and improved data. Compare elevation readings with other reliable sources, especially in areas where accuracy is critical. Use Google Earth Pro for potentially more accurate data and advanced measurement tools.

12. Can I use Google Earth to determine the slope or gradient of the land? Google Earth itself doesn’t directly display slope or gradient values. However, by creating a path and analyzing the elevation profile, you can estimate the slope between different points. Additionally, GIS software can be used to perform more sophisticated slope analysis using elevation data extracted from Google Earth or other sources.