Google Earth for Android is a nifty little tool. The app can be used for planning vacations, researching locations or just to fly around the Earth and check out all sort of exotic locations (although many people just use it to get a bird’s eye view of their house).

The app is as powerful as it is simple to use. Layer upon layer of quality satellite images are used by Google to recreate the Earth. You can fly around using your fingers in order to view the planet from different angles and heights. Swiping in a direction moves the Earth, pinching zooms in and out and swiping with two fingers tilts the view.

In addition to being able to view every corner of the planet from as far or as close as you would like, Google has added nifty little features, such as integrating Wikipedia to famous locations, allowing you to tap the little Icons to view information about the location. Another nice feature is the addition of 3d maps of cities and locations, allowing the user to view 3d buildings textured by photographs. The new famous Google Street View is also integrated with Google Earth, allowing you to view most streets from the perspectives of Google’s car.

Bringing the power of satellite imaging directly to your fingertips, Google Earth is one of the best apps you can find. The added bonus that it has a built in tour guide which recommends travel destinations in whichever country you’re viewing is an added bonus that is guaranteed to attract users. There are plenty of uses for the app and the fact that it is so well put together makes it deserve a place among the top apps.