How to Use Google Earth for Land Shopping

by discovernwrealtygroup-chime-me

If you’re planning to invest in land or relocate to Washington State, learning how to measure property on Google Earth can give you a major head start. From sprawling acreage in Lewis County to tucked-away rural plots in Yakima, knowing how to visualize, inspect, and evaluate property remotely is a must in today’s digital-first real estate world. Whether you’re looking to build, farm, retire, or just find your private patch of Pacific Northwest beauty, Google Earth is a powerful tool that can help you make smarter buying decisions.

Why Use Google Earth to Measure Property

Before visiting a potential land parcel, you can explore it virtually using Google Earth—a free platform that provides satellite imagery, 3D terrain, elevation data, and precise measurement tools. It’s especially helpful when:

The listing lacks detailed photos or maps
You’re looking at large or remote acreage
You want to check distances to roads, utilities, or neighbors

To get started, download Google Earth Pro or use Google Earth Web.

How to Measure Property on Google Earth

To measure property on Google Earth, follow these steps:

Search the address or coordinates of the land parcel.
Click the ruler icon (or “Measure” tool).
Select “Polygon” to outline property boundaries.
Click around the parcel to trace the perimeter.
Google Earth will display total area (acres, square feet, etc.) and perimeter length.

This feature helps verify lot size against listings and county data. It’s especially useful in rural areas of Yakima, Lewis, and Clark Counties, where parcels may be irregular or only partially developed.

Tip: Compare your measurements with official property info using local GIS portals like the Lewis County Parcel Search:

https://parcels.lewiscountywa.gov

Spot Terrain Features, Slopes, and Elevation

Land in Washington isn’t always flat—and elevation changes can impact buildability, access, or drainage. Google Earth’s 3D and elevation tools let you:

Rotate and tilt the terrain to view slopes
See elevation gain across the lot
Identify potential flood zones, hillsides, or ravines

This is especially useful in Clark County, where forested land may look flat in photos but actually sits on steep grades.

Analyze Location and Access

Before buying land, you’ll want to understand how easy (or difficult) it is to reach the property. Google Earth helps you:

Trace road access or nearby trails
Measure distance to the nearest town or utility lines
Spot signs of easements or landlocked parcels

If you’re considering off-grid living near Okanogan or Stevens County, this step is critical—especially where private roads or winter access may be limited.

Drawbacks and Limitations of Google Earth

While Google Earth is a fantastic tool, it does have a few limitations:

Satellite imagery may be outdated
It won’t show property lines unless you overlay parcel data
You’ll still need legal surveys for purchase or permits

That said, it’s a great starting point when vetting listings or narrowing your options from afar.

Conclusion: Land Smarter with Google Earth

If you’re buying rural land in Washington, take the time to learn how to measure property on Google Earth. It can reveal key insights about topography, boundaries, road access, and size—before you ever step foot on the lot.

Want to explore land listings that pair perfectly with these tools? Visit LandWatch Washington or Land And Farm Washington.