Google Maps is a powerful tool that helps millions of people easily navigate the world. Since its launch in 2005, it has become an essential application for travelers, commuters, and explorers. One of its standout features is the satellite view, which provides detailed, real-world imagery of locations across the globe. This feature offers a bird’s-eye perspective, making it easier to understand the terrain, find landmarks, and even explore remote areas.

In this article, we will discuss how to see satellite views in Google Maps in detail.

How to See Satellite View in Google Maps on Desktop

Step 1: Open Google Maps

Visit Google Maps on your desktop or laptop device in any modern browser.

Google Maps opened in browser

Step 2: Move the cursor on Layers

Move your cursor on Layers which is at the bottom leftmost corner of the website. A panel of options is displayed.

Move the cursor on Layers

Step 3: Click More

Click on “More” in the panel opened from the “Layers“.

Click ‘More’

Step 4: Click on Satellite

Under map type, click on “Satellite” to see the map in Satellite view.

Click ‘Satellite’

Step 5: Click on the Close Icon

Click on the close icon “X” at the panel to close the layers panel.

Click on the ‘X’ icon to close the panel

Step 6: Google Maps reloaded

Now Google Maps is reloaded automatically to satellite mode.

Satellite view enabled in Google Maps

You have successfully enabled Satellite View in Google Maps on Desktop.

How to Start Google Maps in Satellite View on an iPhone or iPad

Google Maps can be made to open in satellite view always automatically once we set it. But this can be done directly on Android devices. In iOS devices, there is no specific setting available in the Google Maps app. But once we set the satellite view, iOS automatically remembers it as a setting and opens the app in satellite view always.

Let us discuss how to start Google Maps in satellite view on an iPhone or iPad.

Step 1: Launch the Google Maps and Tap on the layers icon

Launch the Google Maps app on your iOS device. Tap on the layers icon at the top right-most side of the app.

Tap on the layers icon

Step 2: Tap on Satellite

A panel opens from the bottom of the app. Tap on “Satellite” in the bottom panel.

Tap on ‘Satellite’ in the bottom panel

Step 3: Tap on the close

Tap on the close icon ‘X’ in the panel to close the panel.

Tap on the ‘X’ icon to close the panel

Step 4: Satellite view enabled

You can see that the satellite view is loaded automatically in the app now.

Satellite view is enabled in the Google Maps app

You have successfully enabled Google Maps in Satellite View on an iPhone or iPad.

How to Enable Satellite View by Default on Android

Step 1: Open the Google Maps app

Open the Google Maps app on your Android device.

Tap on the Google Maps app icon to open

Step 2: Tap on the profile icon

Tap on the profile icon which is at the top rightmost corner of the app.

Tap on the profile icon at the top rightmost corner

Step 3: Tap on Settings

A panel opens up. Tap on “Settings” in the panel.

Tap on ‘Settings’ in the panel opened

Step 4: Turn on Start maps in the satellite view

Another sub-panel opens up. Turn on the toggle button “Start maps in satellite view” to enable your Android device to always open in satellite view.

Tap on the toggle button to turn on

After turning on the toggle button, the toggle button is now on in blue color.

The Toggle button is now ON

Step 5: Tap on the back button icon

Tap on the back button icon at the top rightmost corner of the app to go back to the Google Maps app’s home screen.

Tap on the back button

Google Maps is now in satellite mode.

Google Maps is now in satellite mode

You have successfully Enabled Satellite View by Default on Android.

Benefits of Using Satellite View

1. Detailed Imagery: Satellite view provides high-resolution images, allowing you to see buildings, roads, and natural features in great detail.
2. Better Navigation: It helps in understanding the terrain, which can be particularly useful for outdoor activities like hiking.
3. Landmark Identification: Easily identify landmarks and significant geographical features.
4. Urban Planning and Development: Useful for urban planning, real estate, and construction projects by offering a clear view of the landscape.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the satellite view and how to enable it. Also, we have discussed the steps to see satellite views on the desktop, Android, and iOS versions of Google Maps that not only helps in understanding the terrain and finding landmarks but also provides a unique perspective on our world. With the power of satellite imagery, make your exploration more engaging and informative.

How to Start Google Maps in Satellite View – FAQs

How to on Satellite Mode in Google Maps?

• Open the Maps app on your Android smartphone or tablet.
• Tap your profile icon located in the top-right corner of the screen.
• From the dropdown menu, select “Settings.”
• Scroll down and find the option “Start Maps in Satellite View.”
• Toggle the switch to enable this setting

Can I set Google Maps to always start in satellite view?

Yes, you can set Google Maps to always start in satellite view by adjusting the settings in your Google Maps account. Go to the settings menu, find the “Map type” option, and set it to “Satellite.”

Is satellite view available on the Google Maps mobile app?

Yes, satellite view is available on both the Google Maps mobile app and the desktop version. You can access it by tapping the layers icon and selecting “Satellite.”

How often is Google Maps satellite view updated?

Google Maps updates its satellite imagery regularly, but the frequency can vary by location. Urban areas are typically updated more frequently than remote regions.

Can I use satellite view on Google Maps without an internet connection?

No, satellite view on Google Maps requires an active internet connection to load the detailed imagery.

What are the benefits of using satellite view on Google Maps?

Satellite view on Google Maps offers detailed, real-world imagery, helping users understand terrain, find landmarks, and explore areas with a bird’s-eye perspective.