Using Google Earth, you’re able to determine approximately when the current satellite image was taken.

Determining When a Google Maps “Satellite Image” Was Taken However, you can utilize a few different methods to figure out when a certain location was last updated. Ultimately, you’re unable to fully predict when a certain Satellite View will change. Conversely, rural locations may only see an update once every 1-3+ years. For example, big cities like Philadelphia, Seattle, Tampa or Boston will have updates that occur weekly. According to the Google Maps blog, the answer depends on where you live. Updates to Google Maps satellite images happen more frequently in highly populated areas. There may be a delay of months, or often times, years before the satellite images reflect exactly what the location looks like in reality. However, you won’t usually see live changes or updates reflect on a regular basis. Typically, Google’s satellite image database updates constantly – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. How Often Does Google Maps Update Satellite Images? Regardless if you’re using Google Earth or Google Maps, they pull their data from the same sources. In fact, you may often notice outdated views or location details that are not quite accurate. However, you may be wondering how often these Satellite images update. If you’re using Google Maps in Satellite View, you’re given a close-up, bird’s eye view of virtually every location on planet Earth. Google would have to constantly hire pilots traversing the globe to keep up with potential changes.Google Maps has transformed the way we see our world. 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. A single Google Earth update might contain a handful of cities or states.

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.

Recent satellite view of my house