1.4 Safe to install
Explore the Earth in 3D with NASA World Wind

NASA World Wind is a powerful tool that allows users to visualize and interact with satellite imagery and elevation data of our planet in an immersive three-dimensional environment.
NASA World Wind is a powerful and immersive virtual globe software developed by NASA. This open-source software allows users to explore the Earth and other planetary bodies right from their computer screens.
Key Features:
- Global Imagery: Users can access high-resolution imagery of Earth, the Moon, Mars, and other planets.
- Topographic Maps: View detailed topographic maps of different regions around the world.
- 3D Models: Explore geographical features in 3D such as mountains, canyons, and valleys.
- Historical Imagery: Compare past satellite images to see how the Earth has changed over time.
- Data Visualization: Access various scientific datasets and overlay them on the globe for analysis.
Why Choose NASA World Wind?
NASA World Wind stands out for its vast collection of geospatial data and its ability to create an interactive and educational experience for users interested in earth sciences, geography, or space exploration. Whether you're a student, researcher, or just curious about the world around you, NASA World Wind offers a unique way to experience our planet and beyond.
Overview
NASA World Wind is a Shareware software in the category Miscellaneous developed by NASA World Wind.
The latest version of NASA World Wind is 1.4, released on 02/18/2008. It was initially added to our database on 10/30/2007.
NASA World Wind runs on the following operating systems: Windows.
Users of NASA World Wind gave it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
Pros
- Provides detailed satellite imagery of Earth and other planets in the solar system
- Offers a 3D virtual globe experience for exploring different locations
- Includes demographic, topographic, and scientific data for educational and research purposes
- Open-source software, allowing for customization and development by users and developers
Cons
- Can be resource-intensive, requiring a powerful computer with a dedicated graphics card for optimal performance
- User interface can be complex and overwhelming for casual users
- Limited support and updates from the developers in recent years
- May not offer as many features or user-friendly options as commercial Earth visualization software
FAQ
What is NASA World Wind?
NASA World Wind is an open-source virtual globe software that allows users to explore the world's geographic and geological information using satellite imagery and digital elevation models. It was developed by NASA's Learning Technologies program and has been used by scientists, researchers, educators, and enthusiasts around the world.
What are the system requirements to run NASA World Wind?
Minimum system requirements are a Windows XP SP2 or later operating system, a 1 GHz Intel Pentium III or equivalent processor, 256 MB of RAM, and a graphics card with at least 32 MB of video RAM. For the best performance, a dual-core processor, 1 GB of RAM, and a graphics card with at least 256 MB of video RAM are recommended.
Is NASA World Wind available for Mac OS or Linux?
No, NASA World Wind is currently only available for Windows operating systems.
Can NASA World Wind be used for commercial purposes?
Yes, NASA World Wind can be used for commercial purposes without fees or royalties. However, the use of certain datasets or imagery may require obtaining permission from the data providers.
What kind of data can be accessed through NASA World Wind?
Users can access a variety of data through NASA World Wind, including satellite imagery of the Earth, Moon, and Mars; digital elevation models; climate data; seismic activity information; and more. Data can be viewed in layers that can be turned on or off and adjusted for transparency and opacity.
What kind of educational resources are available for NASA World Wind?
NASA World Wind provides a variety of educational resources, including tutorials, lesson plans, and webinars for educators; a user forum for sharing information and asking questions; and an active developer community contributing plugins and open-source code.
Is NASA World Wind compatible with Google Earth?
No, NASA World Wind is a separate software from Google Earth and is not compatible with it.
Can users create their own content for NASA World Wind?
Yes, users can create their own content for NASA World Wind by developing plug-ins or creating custom layers. NASA World Wind also supports a variety of open data formats that users can import into the software.
Is NASA World Wind free to download and use?
Yes, NASA World Wind is free to download and use under the NASA Open Source Agreement v1.3 license. However, some datasets or imagery may require permission or fees from the data providers for commercial use.
Is NASA World Wind still being actively developed?
Yes, NASA World Wind is still being actively developed by a community of contributors on Github. The most recent release, version 2.1.0, was in October 2019.

David Fischer
I am a technology writer for UpdateStar, covering software, security, and privacy as well as research and innovation in information security. I worked as an editor for German computer magazines for more than a decade before joining the UpdateStar team. With over a decade of editorial experience in the tech industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my current role at UpdateStar. At UpdateStar, I focus on the critical areas of software, security, and privacy, ensuring our readers stay informed about the latest developments and best practices.
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