Google Earth is a powerful mapping tool that offers detailed imagery and a variety of mapping functions. Multiple avenues are available for finding addresses or for researching an area to discover a new address. Businesses often use Google Earth to locate property boundaries and view structures and properties from the air.
Use Google Maps
Google Earth and Google Maps were historically separate, but Google Maps now has the satellite imagery, street view and mapping services pulled into one program that is easily accessed through a web browser. Maps is also great for pulling up a specific address. Once you locate it, you can adjust the view, look at satellite imagery and research the address as needed.
To find an address on Google Maps, enter the street number, street name, city and state into the address bar. You can also enter addresses for just about any country in the world by indicating the country name. Google often offers an auto-fill or shows the closest match options on difficult addresses. Press "Enter," and Google Maps navigates to the location.
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After Google places the map view directly over the address, you can view the address, street, city or town, and other identifying information. The map view shows nearby businesses and landmarks as well. If you want directions to the address, click the "Directions" option and enter the starting address. Google Maps gives you directions and navigates in real time when needed.
Search Business Names
The Google Earth search function is not tied to businesses, but using the Google Maps option makes it easy to find a business address. If the business is listed and you don't know the address, Google Support recommends you type the business name, city and state into the search bar. A listed business will show up, and you can click to navigate the map over the business.
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Look at the business listing to discover the address, phone number, website, and any other information on file. In some cases, a business has not updated its listing or contact information, which can create problems. Otherwise, you can use the directions feature to navigate to the address or view the location through street view or satellite imagery.
Satellite Imagery Search
Running a Google Earth search through satellite imagery does not immediately reveal the address of a place, but it's useful for narrowing down the location. If you want to find an address and you know the area, navigate the map to that general region. Look for familiar landmarks, street corners and anything that can lead you to the property.
After searching the satellite imagery, you might find the house or property in question. The address will not show, but now that you have located the property, switch back to map view and click on the property to pull up the address. An undeveloped piece of land may not always show an exact address, but most houses and businesses return a result.
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Google Earth Help recommends clicking the icon that looks like a person after zooming on the property. This reveals the street view, and you can see real imagery from the address. You can also turn for a 360-degree view of the surrounding area. This feature is great for realtors, surveyors and anyone who wants to see the actual property at the listed address.
