Pro version of Google Earth now available for free

Google Inc. had made the Pro version of Google Earth free, the Mountain View, Calif.-based search engine company recently stated.

On Jan. 30, Google said it is no longer charging for the Pro version, which uses the same imagery database as Google Earth but has additional features.

Google Earth Pro users can calculate distances in units of measurement including feet, miles and kilometers, the company states.

The tool can also be used to batch geocode addresses, import data from geographic information systems (GIS) and to access demographic, parcel and traffic data layers.

Google Earth Pro also lets users measures the areas of polygons, print images with a resolution of up to 4,800 by 3,200 pixels.

To access Google Earth Pro, new users are required to grab a free key and download the Earth Pro app. Existing user’s keys will continue to work with no changes required.