Google Earth (GE), a large Earth-observation data-based geographical information computer application, is an intuitive three-dimensional virtual globe. It enables archaeologists around the world to communicate and share their multisource data and research findings. Different from traditional geographical information systems (GIS), GE is free and easy to use in data collection, exploration, and visualization. In the past decade, many peer-reviewed articles on the use of GE in the archaeological cultural heritage (ACH) research field have been published. Most of these concern specific ACH investigations with a wide spatial coverage. GE can often be used to survey and document ACH so that both skilled archaeologists and the public can more easily and intuitively understand the results. Based on geographical tools and multi-temporal very high-resolution (VHR) satellite imagery, GE has been shown to provide spatio-temporal change information that has a bearing on the physical, environmental, and geographical character of ACH. In this review, in order to discuss the huge potential of GE, a comprehensive review of GE and its applications to ACH in the published scientific literature is first presented; case studies in five main research fields demonstrating how GE can be deployed as a key tool for studying ACH are then described. The selected case studies illustrate how GE can be used effectively to investigate ACH at multiple scales, discover new archaeological sites in remote regions, monitor historical sites, and assess damage in areas of conflict, and promote virtual tourism. These examples form the basis for highlighting current trends in remote sensing archaeology based on the GE platform, which could provide access to a low-cost and easy-to-use tool for communicating and sharing ACH geospatial data more effectively to the general public in the era of Digital Earth. Finally, a discussion of the merits and limitations of GE is presented along with conclusions and remaining challenges.

The Xixia Imperial Tombs (XITs) represent a crucial, yet still largely mysterious, component of the Tangut civilization’s legacy. Located in northwestern China, this extensive necropolis offers invaluable insights into the Tangut state, culture, and burial practices. This study employs an integrated approach utilizing multi-resolution and multi-temporal satellite remote sensing data, including Gaofen-2 (GF-2), Landsat-8 OLI, declassified GAMBIT imagery, and Google Earth, combined with deep learning techniques, to conduct a comprehensive archaeological investigation of the XITs’ burial landscape. We performed geomorphological analysis of the surrounding environment and automated identification and mapping of burial mounds and mausoleum features using YOLOv5, complemented by manual interpretation of very-high-resolution (VHR) satellite imagery. Spectral indices and image fusion techniques were applied to enhance the detection of archaeological features. Our findings demonstrated the efficacy of this combined methodology for archaeology prospect, providing valuable insights into the spatial layout, geomantic considerations, and preservation status of the XITs. Notably, the analysis of declassified GAMBIT imagery facilitated the identification of a suspected true location for the ninth imperial tomb (M9), a significant contribution to understanding Xixia history through remote sensing archaeology. This research provides a replicable framework for the detection and preservation of archaeological sites using readily available satellite data, underscoring the power of advanced remote sensing and machine learning in heritage studies.