Google Earth updates its satellite imagery on a rolling schedule, not all at once
Google Earth does not refresh every location at the same time. Some areas get new satellite photos every few months. Others may not see an update for a year or more. The frequency depends on where you are, how much the landscape changes, and whether Google has a satellite or aircraft passing over that area on a schedule.
When you open Google Earth and look at a specific address, the image you see was captured on a particular date — that date appears in the bottom right corner of the screen. That date tells you how current the image is, but it does not tell you when the next update will arrive. Google does not publish a calendar of when each region will be photographed next.
Key Takeaways
- Google Earth shows the capture date of each satellite image in the bottom right corner, so you can see how old the photo is.
- Urban areas and places that change frequently typically update every few months, while remote areas may wait a year or longer between updates.
- Google uses both satellites and aircraft to capture imagery, and aircraft can cover smaller areas more often than satellites.
- You cannot request a specific location be photographed, but you can report outdated or inaccurate imagery through Google's feedback tool.
Why some places update faster than others
Google prioritizes areas where the landscape changes often or where people need current information. Cities and suburbs typically see updates every three to six months because roads change, buildings go up, and Google knows many people check those locations. Agricultural areas, forests, and rural land may update once a year or less frequently because the visual changes are slower.
Google also considers the source of the image. Satellite imagery comes from companies like Maxar Technologies and Airbus, which operate satellites on fixed orbits. Those orbits determine which areas get photographed and how often. Aircraft imagery — which Google captures with its own planes in some regions — can cover smaller areas more frequently, sometimes updating every few weeks in a single neighborhood.
Weather also affects timing. Cloudy regions get fewer usable images because clouds block the view of the ground. Google's systems automatically discard images that are too cloudy, so a location under persistent cloud cover may go longer between updates even if a satellite passes overhead regularly.
How to find the date of the image you are looking at
Open Google Earth on your computer or the Google Earth app on your phone. Navigate to any location. In the bottom right corner of the screen, you will see a small label with a date — this is when that particular image was captured. If you zoom in or out or move to a nearby area, the date may change because Google Earth sometimes stitches together images from different capture dates.
On a computer, you can also click the clock icon in the left sidebar to see a timeline of available images for that location. This shows you every date Google Earth has imagery for that spot, so you can scroll back in time and see how the area has changed. Not every location has multiple dates available — many places only have one or two images in Google Earth's archive.
What to do if an image is outdated or wrong
If you notice that Google Earth is showing an image that is clearly old — a building that was torn down years ago, a road that no longer exists — you can report it. On a computer, right-click the location and select "Send feedback." On the mobile app, tap the menu icon and choose "Send feedback." Describe what is wrong and what the current state of the location is.
Google reviews these reports, but there is no timeline for when or whether they will update that specific image. Feedback helps Google prioritize which areas to photograph next, but it does not trigger an when ready update. The actual refresh still depends on whether a satellite or aircraft is scheduled to pass over that area.
The difference between Google Earth and Google Maps Street View
Google Earth shows satellite and aerial photographs taken from directly above. Google Maps Street View shows ground-level photographs taken from vehicles and cameras on foot. These two services update on different schedules. Street View in some cities updates every year or two, while in others it may not update for several years. Street View also covers far fewer locations than Google Earth — it is mainly available in cities and along major roads.
If you need the most current ground-level view of a location, Street View is often more recent than satellite imagery for that same spot, but not always. Both services show their capture dates, so you can compare them directly.
Why Google does not let you request updates
Google does not allow individuals to request that a specific location be photographed. The company manages its imagery budget across the entire world, and prioritizing based on individual requests would be impossible to scale. Instead, Google uses data about where people search, where changes happen fastest, and where its satellite and aircraft partners have scheduled coverage.
If you need a current image of a property for real estate, insurance, or legal purposes, you may need to hire a professional aerial photographer or use a service that specializes in current satellite imagery. Those services are paid, but they can provide images captured on a specific date you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is the Google Earth image I am looking at right now?
Look at the bottom right corner of your screen — the date shown there is when that image was captured. If you do not see a date, try zooming in or out slightly, as the date updates depending on which image tiles are visible on your screen.
Can I see older images of the same location?
On a computer, yes. Click the clock icon in the left sidebar to open the timeline. You can then drag the slider to see previous images of that location, if Google Earth has them. The mobile app does not have this feature.
Does Google Earth update faster in cities than in rural areas?
Yes. Urban areas typically update every few months because they change frequently and many people use Google Earth to check them. Rural and remote areas may wait a year or longer between updates because the landscape changes more slowly and fewer people request current imagery.
What if I see something wrong in a Google Earth image?
Right-click the location and select "Send feedback" (on computer) or tap the menu and choose "Send feedback" (on mobile). Describe what is inaccurate. Google reviews reports, but there is no may provide or timeline for when that location will be re-photographed.
Is Google Earth imagery the same as Google Maps?
Google Maps uses some of the same satellite imagery as Google Earth, but Google Maps also includes Street View (ground-level photos) and may show different dates for the same location. Check the date on whichever service you are using, as they do not always match.