For example, many localities now make their tax maps available online in web-based GIS applications. Sometimes GIS is useful just to determine where a particular property is located.

Not all uses of GIS are quite that computationally intensive, of course. For example, I previously wrote about how GIS is being used proactively to protect the viewshed around Mount Vernon. Uses can range from simply determining the most efficient way to monitor protected properties to analyzing the special characteristics of a property and even the impact of nearby properties on a property. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis is an increasingly important resource for land preservation. But, first, let’s explore why this announcement is relevant to land preservation. Google Earth Pro had previously required an annual subscription fee of several hundred dollars, and I have my doubts as to what the elimination of a paid subscription tier means for the future of Google Earth.

Google announced earlier this year that it will now be offering Google Earth Pro for free.

Google earth pro now free