How to Start Google Maps in Satellite View

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 travellers, 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.

Why Use Satellite View in Google Maps

Satellite View provides high-resolution imagery that enhances navigation and exploration. Key benefits include:

Detailed Imagery: See buildings, roads, and natural features in high detail.

Better Navigation: Understand terrain for activities like hiking.

Landmark Identification: Easily locate significant landmarks.

Urban Planning: Useful for real estate and construction projects.

How to See Satellite View in Google Maps on Desktop

To access Satellite View on your desktop or laptop:

Step 1: Open Google Maps

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

Step 3: Click More

Click on "More" in the panel opened from the "Layers".

Step 4: Click on Satellite

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

Step 5: Click on the Close Icon

Click on the close icon "X" at the panel to close the layers panel.

Step 6: Google Maps reloaded

Now Google Maps is reloaded automatically to satellite mode.

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.

Step 2: Tap on Satellite

A panel opens from the bottom of the app. 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.

Step 4: Satellite view enabled

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

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

How to Enable Satellite View by Default on Android

To always open Google Maps in Satellite View on an Android device:

Step 1: Open the Google Maps app

Open the Google Maps app on your Android device.

Step 2: Tap on the profile icon

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

Step 3: Tap on Settings

A panel opens up. Tap on "Settings" in the panel.

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.

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

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.

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

Switching to Satellite View in Google Maps offers a detailed, real-world perspective of any location. Whether you’re using a desktop, iPhone, iPad, or Android device, following these steps will help you make the most of Google Maps’ Satellite View. Enhance your navigation and exploration with this powerful tool today!