Download High-Resolution Satellite Images for Free with QGIS

Thanks to XYZ Tiles, it’s possible to download high-resolution satellite images. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

• XYZ Tiles Setup: While we detail how to set this up in this post, for the purpose of this example, we’ll be using the XYZ Tile from Google Earth or Maps.
• Access through QGIS Browser: Once in the QGIS Brower, right-click on “XYZ Tiles” and choose “New Connection”, as depicted in the attached image.
• Connection Details: In the “Name” field, input “Google satellite” as the source. For the “URL” field, enter the address: https://mt1.google.com/vt/lyrs=s&x=%7Bx%7D&y=%7By%7D&z=%7Bz%7D.

• Add to the Map: Double-click the XYZ Tile you’ve just added. This will load the corresponding map. Use the zoom options to pinpoint the study area you’re interested in.
• Export the Image: In the table of contents, right-click on the satellite image layer and select “Export” > “Save As”.
• Export Settings:
  • Output Mode: Choose “Rendered Image”.
  • Format: Select “GeoTIFF”.
  • Create VRT: Deselect this option.
  • File name: Define a name and output path. Ensure you append the .TIF extension at the end.
  • CRS: Stick with the default option “WGS 84 / Pseudo-Mercator”.
  • Extent: Pick “Map Canvas Extent”.
  • Resolution: Set both horizontal and vertical to “0.5”.

• Finish by clicking on “Accept”.

By following these steps, you’ll secure a high-resolution satellite image in TIF format, ready to be used in any Geographic Information System (GIS) software. Go ahead and explore the world from above!