Free GIS and Earth Modeling Tools
The best free tools for terrain visualization, mapping, and geological data.
QGIS
The open-source GIS powerhouse. Does 90% of what ArcGIS does for $0. Map making, spatial analysis, terrain modeling. Massive plugin ecosystem. The standard free GIS tool.
Google Earth Pro
Free desktop version. 3D terrain flyovers, historical imagery, measuring tools, GPS import. Better for visualization than analysis. The tool everyone knows.
NASA Worldview
Real-time satellite imagery. Every day, global coverage. Fire detection, storm tracking, vegetation monitoring. Addictively beautiful and scientifically useful.
USGS EarthExplorer
Download free satellite imagery, aerial photos, elevation data, and land cover maps. Landsat, SRTM, NED, NLCD. The US government's data warehouse for Earth observation.
CesiumJS
Open-source JavaScript library for 3D globes and maps in the browser. Build Google Earth-like visualizations for your own data. The tool behind many commercial Earth modeling platforms.