Google Earth has rolled out three new capabilities that collectively push the platform closer to a professional-grade GIS tool: native shapefile support, direct 3D model imports, and elevation profiles baked into the existing measure tool.
The additions address a longstanding user request. People have wanted to bring their own data and custom models into Google Earth's satellite imagery canvas, and now they can do so without jumping through conversion hoops or relying on third-party software.
What's New
Shapefiles, the industry-standard format developed by Esri for storing geographic vector data like points, lines, and polygons, now render as cloud-native layers inside Google Earth. Previously, users had to convert SHP files to KML or KMZ formats using tools like QGIS before bringing them into the platform. That friction is now gone. Urban planners visualizing zoning boundaries, environmental researchers mapping protected areas, and field surveyors analyzing GPS data can work directly with their existing datasets.
The 3D model import feature supports GLB files exclusively. GLTF, COLLADA, and OBJ formats are not compatible. If your model exists in a different format, Google recommends exporting to GLB through software like Blender, 3DS Max, Rhino 3D, or Tinkercad. Referenced textures and GLB-based animations are not currently supported, so models relying on those elements may render incorrectly or fail to import entirely. Imported models count against your Google Earth storage quota.
The elevation profile addition extends the existing measure tool. Users can now see detailed terrain data along any path they create, which is useful for planning hiking routes, assessing construction sites, or analyzing drainage patterns. Google Earth's measurement tools already provide terrain statistics for paths and polygons, including elevation and slope data. The new profiles add a visual layer to that information.
The Bigger Picture
These updates fit into a broader push Google has telegraphed for 2026. The company has been investing heavily in infrastructure and AI capabilities, and Google Earth is benefiting from that momentum. Earlier this year, Google introduced 20- and 40-meter elevation contours globally, added a data catalog with searchable layers, and integrated Gemini-powered search capabilities that can scan satellite imagery for specific features.
The shapefile and 3D model features are marked as experimental, which means Google is still refining them. Expect quirks. But the direction is clear: Google wants professionals in architecture, urban planning, environmental science, and related fields to treat Google Earth as more than an exploration toy. The platform is angling to become a workspace where proprietary data meets Google's global imagery layer.
For casual users, the elevation profiles alone are worth exploring. Draw a path, see the terrain. For professionals already juggling shapefiles across multiple tools, the native import support could meaningfully simplify workflows. Whether Google Earth can compete with dedicated GIS platforms like ArcGIS or QGIS remains an open question. But these updates suggest the company is at least trying to close the gap.
All three features are live now in Google Earth.
