To see elevation in Google Maps, turn on the Terrain layer. On a computer, hover over Layers in the bottom-left corner, click More, and check Terrain; on a phone, tap the Layers button and choose Terrain. Zoom in and the map shows shaded relief and contour lines labeled with elevations. For a route, get cycling or walking directions, and Google Maps shows an elevation profile with the total climb. For the exact elevation of a single point, use Google Earth, which shows the elevation of wherever your cursor is.
Below are the steps for each method and how to see topography in 3D.
Method 1: Turn on the Terrain layer
On a computer
- Open google.com/maps.
- Hover over Layers in the bottom-left corner and click More.
- Click Terrain.
- Zoom in on the area. Contour lines appear with elevation labels, in feet or meters depending on your region.
On Android or iPhone
- Open the Google Maps app.
- Tap the Layers button (stacked squares) at the top right.
- Under Map type, tap Terrain.
- Zoom in to see contour lines and elevation numbers.
Contour lines only appear when you’re zoomed in, and coverage is best for hilly or mountainous areas. Flat areas may show few labels.
Method 2: See elevation along a route
- Search for a destination and tap or click Directions.
- Choose Cycling or Walking.
- Look at the route details. Google Maps shows an elevation chart and the total ascent and descent, for example “↑ 450 ft, ↓ 120 ft.”
Elevation profiles aren’t shown for driving directions.
Method 3: Find the exact elevation of a point in Google Earth
- Open earth.google.com in Chrome, or open Google Earth Pro on your computer.
- Search for a place or move around the globe.
- Move your mouse over any spot. The elevation of that point appears in the bottom-right corner of the screen.
In the Google Earth mobile app, tap a spot to see its coordinates and elevation in the info card.
See topography in 3D
- Google Earth: Hold Shift and drag (or use two fingers on a phone) to tilt the view. Mountains and valleys appear in 3D. In Earth on the web, open Map Style and turn on 3D buildings and terrain options for a clearer view.
- Google Earth Pro: In the Layers panel, make sure Terrain is checked. Use the Ruler tool to draw a path and click Show Elevation Profile for a detailed chart.
- Google Maps: On a computer with the Satellite view on, hold Ctrl and drag to tilt the map for a 3D look.
Which method should you use?
| Need | Best method |
|---|---|
| Rough elevation of an area | Google Maps Terrain layer |
| Climb on a bike or walking route | Cycling or walking directions |
| Exact elevation of a spot | Google Earth cursor reading |
| Elevation profile of any path | Google Earth Pro Ruler > Show Elevation Profile |
| Visualize hills and valleys | Google Earth 3D tilt |
How accurate is Google’s elevation data?
Google’s elevation data comes from satellite and survey sources and is good for planning hikes, rides and general reference. It can be off by several meters in places, especially in dense forests or steep terrain. For surveying, construction or aviation, use official topographic maps or survey data.
Related: draw a radius on Google Maps.
Related: find coordinates on Google Maps.
Frequently asked questions
Why don’t I see contour lines in Terrain view?
Zoom in closer. Contour lines appear only at higher zoom levels and may be sparse in flat areas.
Can I see elevation for driving directions?
No. Elevation profiles are shown for walking and cycling routes only.
Does Google Maps show elevation in meters or feet?
It follows your distance unit setting. Change it in the app under Settings > Distance units.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.