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FAQ: Google Earth and my Organization

Q: Do I need to license Google Earth for my organization? Why wouldn't I use the free Google Earth client?

A: Google Earth Pro offers organizations certain capabilities that are unavailable in the free Google Earth client, such as centralized management of user licenses and the ability to opt out of advertisements. This chart shows other differences between the two products. In addition, uses like GPS tracking and asset management require the use of either Google Earth Pro or the Google Earth Enterprise client. Certain capabilities, such as integration with a client's existing security infrastructure and connecting to a customer-developed globe, are only possible with the Google Earth Enterprise client.

Q: What's the difference between Google Earth Pro and the Google Earth Enterprise client?

A: The Google Earth Enterprise client can be used to connect to either the public Google globe or to a customer's globe that has been developed with the Google Earth Enterprise server application. Google Earth Pro can only connect to the public Google globe.

Q: Can I centrally manage the deployment of licenses?

A: With the Google Earth Pro, organizations can centrally mange the deployment of users licenses. This is not possible with the free Google Earth client.

Q: Can I prevent advertising from being displayed in Google Earth?

A: Organizations using Google Earth Pro or the Google Earth Enterprise client can opt-out of advertising.

Q: Can I integrate with my organization's existing security infrastructure for security/login credentials?

A: The Google Earth Enterprise client allows organizations to use existing directory servers or other authentication mechanisms to provide user credentials for accessing Google Earth securely. This type of integration is not available with the free Google Earth client or Google Earth Pro.

Q: Can I use Google Earth to support my organization's asset management needs?

A: In order to use Google Earth for asset management, organizations are required to use one of the enterprise versions of the product -- either Google Earth Pro or Google Earth Enterprise. Please contact us for more information.

Q: Can I publish KML and distribute to the public?

A: Yes, all users of Google Earth can publish KML and distribute it to the public.