Terrain Analysis Tools in Google Earth: A Game Changer for Construction Projects

Google Earth has introduced four new terrain analysis tools that allow users to analyze and understand site topography from their desks. The tools, available on all Google Earth plans, include elevation contours, slope, aspect, and cut and fill. Each tool provides detailed information about the site's terrain, including how it rises and falls, its steepness, direction, and volume of earthwork required.

The new tools can be used to determine the cost of grading and construction, identify areas with high erosion risk, and plan for access roads and utilities. They can also help users save time and money by allowing them to assess sites remotely before sending a field crew.

According to Alex Cuellar Díaz, a geotechnical civil engineer in Colombia, using the slope tool alongside elevation contours and land cover helped him narrow down his fieldwork to high-risk zones, covering only 7% of the total area. This allowed him to select sites strategically and target field visits where they were needed.

Google Earth's terrain analysis tools are available on all plans, with standard allowing users to generate one layer with a tool each month. Professional plans include expanded access and capabilities for more complex projects.