Google Earth is great for public reference maps, but it falls short on active jobsites that change daily. If you're looking for a construction Google Earth alternative that keeps pace with field realities, OverSite delivers updated georeferenced maps with overlays of drawings, utilities and more.
The Shortcomings of Google Earth on a Construction Site
| Limitation | Impact on Construction Teams |
|---|---|
| Static satellite tiles updated every few months—or years | No visibility into current site conditions, causing costly surprises |
| No built-in version control | Impossible to track design iterations or "as-built" milestones |
| Imagery not tightly georeferenced | Measurements can drift several meters—unacceptable for civil work |
| Minimal collaboration features | No single source causing teams to still rely on email chains and shared documents |
| Files stored on individual devices | No single source causing teams to perform repeated checks to confirm latest version |
OverSite: Built for Heavy Civil & Infrastructure Projects
- Live Jobsite Imagery Geolocated to the Inch
- Drone and smartphone photos snap to surveyed control points, giving you sub-inch accuracy.
- Overlay design KMZ/KML files or CAD linework and see exactly where you stand, no guessing.
- Version Control for Every Layer
- Track revisions of orthomosaics, CAD overlays, and mark-ups just like source code.
- Roll back or compare any two dates to prove progress, dispute claims, or plan next steps.
- Schedule-Aware "Time-Slider"
- Scroll through daily or weekly image layers to visualize cut-and-fill, pipe installation, or rail alignment over time.
- One-Click Field Uploads
- Mobile app geotags photos automatically, no manual folder sorting.
- Supervisors see them in SitePhotos within minutes, tied to precise stationing.
- Measurement & Takeoff Tools Built In
- Draw lengths, areas, or cross-sections directly on high-resolution imagery and export to your estimating software.
- Secure Cloud + Offline Mode
- Access plans and latest site photos even in remote corridors with limited connectivity.
- AES-256 encryption keeps client data safe, something public map platforms can't guarantee.
How SitePhotos Compares to Other Construction Mapping Software
| Feature | Google Earth | DroneDeploy | Nearmap | SitePhotos |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Live field photo uploads | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Version-controlled overlays | ❌ | Limited | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Sub-inch geolocation | ❌ | ✔️* | ✔️* | ✔️* |
| Civil-specific measurement tools | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Integrated progress billing logs | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
* Requires RTK workflow or ground control points.
Ready to See SitePhotos in Action?
Stop wrestling with outdated imagery and unlock a real-time view of your jobsite. Request a demo today and discover why leading contractors choose SitePhotos as their go-to construction mapping platform—a true Google Earth alternative built for boots-on-the-ground progress.