Compare Google Earth vs. OpenStreetMap vs. TerrSet

Discover the globe like never before with unparalleled detail, allowing you to place markers for significant sites within your project and draw shapes or lines right on the map. You can enrich your map with images and videos that provide valuable context, and you have the ability to tilt the view for an ideal 3D perspective or immerse yourself in Street View for an engaging 360-degree experience. Collaborate seamlessly with others, much like you would in Google Docs, and share your narrative through a compelling presentation. Google Earth Pro is available for free on desktop for users who require advanced features, letting you import and export GIS data while also offering the ability to explore historical imagery. This versatile tool is compatible with PC, Mac, or Linux systems. For mobile users, Google Earth offers a convenient way to explore the globe with just a swipe on your smartphone or tablet, and with Google Earth for Chrome, you can effortlessly fly anywhere in moments while enjoying the exploration of 3D cities directly in your browser. Additionally, Earth Studio provides a powerful animation tool for creating visuals using Google Earth’s satellite and 3D imagery, while Google Earth Engine merges a vast collection of satellite imagery and geospatial datasets with the ability to perform planetary-scale analyses, making it an invaluable resource for researchers and enthusiasts alike. With these diverse functionalities, the possibilities for exploration and presentation are virtually endless.

OpenStreetMap offers mapping data utilized by countless websites, mobile applications, and devices. This platform is developed by a collaborative group of mappers dedicated to contributing and updating information about various features such as roads, trails, cafés, and train stations across the globe. It places a strong emphasis on local expertise, with contributors employing tools like aerial imagery, GPS technology, and simple field maps to ensure the accuracy and currency of the data. The community surrounding OpenStreetMap is diverse, enthusiastic, and continually expanding, encompassing hobbyist mappers, GIS experts, server engineers, and humanitarians who focus on mapping areas affected by disasters. For further insights into this vibrant community, one can explore the OpenStreetMap Blog, user diaries, various community blogs, and the OSM Foundation website. OpenStreetMap is categorized as open data, allowing users to utilize it freely for any purpose, provided that proper credit is given to OpenStreetMap and its contributors. This openness fosters collaboration and innovation, making it a valuable resource for a variety of applications.

TerrSet represents a comprehensive geospatial software suite designed to facilitate the monitoring and modeling of Earth's systems to promote sustainable development. This system combines the powerful IDRISI GIS Analysis and IDRISI Image Processing tools, supplemented by a range of specialized applications tailored for various needs. Offering an unparalleled array of geospatial tools within a single, cost-effective package, TerrSet eliminates the necessity for expensive add-ons to enhance your research potential. In addition to the previously mentioned software functionalities, TerrSet provides utilities for importing and exporting all major file formats and imagery, along with extensive documentation and user tutorials to assist users. The IDRISI Image Processing System embedded within TerrSet features a broad spectrum of techniques for the restoration, enhancement, transformation, and classification of remotely sensed images. This integration makes TerrSet not only versatile but also essential for effective environmental analysis and management.