Key Takeaways

  • Google announced fresh Earth AI upgrades on October 23, 2025 and wider access pathways.
  • A new Geospatial Reasoning framework uses Gemini to connect models across imagery, weather, and population data.
  • Gemini in Google Earth now finds objects and patterns in satellite imagery with simple questions.
  • Trusted Testers on Google Cloud can try Earth AI Imagery, Population, and Environment models.
  • Flood forecasting now covers over two billion people, and crisis alerts aided 15 million Angelenos during the 2025 wildfires.

What is Google Earth AI?

Google Earth AI is Google’s family of geospatial AI models and reasoning tools. It blends decades of mapping with predictive models and Gemini’s advanced reasoning. The goal is simple: help people answer complex, place-based questions fast.

What’s new as of Oct 23, 2025

Google is rolling out three key updates.

  1. Geospatial Reasoning
    This framework links Earth AI models on demand. It can pull forecasts, population maps, and satellite imagery into one orchestrated answer. Analysts get an end-to-end view rather than a single layer.

  2. Deeper insights in Google Earth
    Gemini inside Google Earth now supports instant pattern and object finding from imagery. You can ask for dried riverbeds or harmful algae blooms and see results mapped to location.

  3. Access via Google Cloud
    Select customers can test Earth AI Imagery, Population, and Environment models on Google Cloud. They can also combine these with products like Imagery Insights to solve industry-specific problems.

Why it matters (context)

When disasters hit, decisions must come fast. Google’s crisis alerts and flood models already help at planetary scale. Now, Earth AI pulls these capabilities into a unified system. As a result, cities, NGOs, and businesses can move from raw pixels to real-world action in minutes.

How Geospatial Reasoning works (the process)

  1. Ask a real question
    For example: “Which towns will face storm surges next week, and who is most at risk?”

  2. Plan the steps
    An agent breaks the query into subtasks. It sequences weather forecasts, exposure layers, and infrastructure data.

  3. Call the right models
    It runs Earth AI’s Environment, Imagery, and Population models. It may bring in external datasets where helpful.

  4. Fuse the answers
    It blends outputs into a single, auditable result. You see where the storm may land, who lives there, and which assets matter.

  5. Take action
    Teams can prioritize evacuations, plan aid, and protect critical services.

Who gets access and when

  • Google Earth (web, U.S.): Gemini features are expanding with higher limits for AI Pro and Ultra subscribers. New pattern/object finding is coming to Professional and Professional Advanced users in the U.S.
  • Google Cloud (Trusted Testers): Earth AI Imagery, Population, and Environment models are opening for test use.
  • Nonprofits and social impact teams: Programs through Google.org and non-commercial access will support qualified work.

Practical benefits and use cases

  • Disaster response: Predict impacts, rank vulnerable communities, and route aid.
  • Water and environment: Spot algae blooms and track drought-exposed riverbeds.
  • Utilities and infrastructure: Detect vegetation encroachment that risks power outages.
  • Public health: Combine population dynamics with environment signals to forecast disease risk.
  • Forestry and land use: Analyze historical imagery to map deforestation patterns.

Best practices for teams getting started

  • Lead with a question: Frame outcomes (“Who is most at risk?”) rather than inputs (“Show me satellite tiles”).
  • Use layered validation: Cross-check model outputs with local data and authoritative sources.
  • Watch temporal context: Align model timestamps with on-the-ground conditions.
  • Bias for explainability: Prefer workflows that show steps, not just results.
  • Close the loop: Capture outcomes and feedback to improve future runs.

Did You Know?

Google’s riverine flood forecasts now cover more than two billion people. During the 2025 California wildfires, Google’s crisis alerts reached 15 million people across Los Angeles with updates and shelter info.

Conclusion

Earth AI marks a shift from static maps to living reasoning. With Gemini, organizations can connect forecasts, imagery, and population data into one coherent story. The outcome is practical: faster insight, clearer prioritization, and better protection for people and places.

FAQs

How is Geospatial Reasoning different from a typical GIS workflow?

Traditional GIS stacks require manual layer assembly. Geospatial Reasoning plans the steps and orchestrates the right Earth AI models automatically, then fuses the results.

What can Gemini inside Google Earth answer today?

It can find objects and patterns in imagery and respond to natural-language prompts. Early examples include algae detection and drought-related river changes.

Do I need Google Cloud to try Earth AI?

Not to use Gemini in Google Earth. However, testing the Earth AI foundation models as services currently runs through Google Cloud Trusted Testers.

Can nonprofits access Earth AI?

Yes. Google is inviting social-impact organizations to express interest. There are nonprofit programs for non-commercial access and funding support.

Which sectors benefit most right now?

Emergency management, water utilities, public health agencies, insurers, and energy grid operators. Each gains from faster, fused insights at regional or national scale.

References