Sign-up for Google Earth Engine

A step-by-step guide for signing-up for a GEE account with a cloud-project

As of June 2024, all users of Google Earth Engine require an account which is linked to a Google Cloud Project. Below are the official instructions for obtaining an account.

• Earth Engine access for new users.
• Transition Guide for existing users.

We have put together a simplified FAQ and step-by-step guide below for users who may not be familiar with Google Cloud.

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FAQ

• Why the requirement for a Cloud Project? Previously - Earth Engine was a separate Google service with it’s own systems and was governed by its own Terms of Service. It is now integrated with Google Cloud Platform and is one of hundreds of other cloud offerings. This means that the usage of GEE is now governed by the Google Cloud Platform Terms of Service and it uses the standard cloud systems for access, logging, billing etc. It helps Earth Engine team offer better integration with other Google Cloud offerings. Using Google Cloud requires a Project - which is just a workspace where you can enable different services.
• Should I sign-up for a Cloud Project? As of June 2024, you do not have an option to use Earth Engine without a cloud project. If you do not sign-up, your GEE account will stop functioning at some point in the future.
• Do I have to pay for Google Cloud? Earth Engine remains free for Noncommercial and Research Use. You do not need to setup a billing account or pay if you qualify for this category. For Commercial Use, you will need to setup a billing account and choose a Pricing Plan.

Ready sign-up for Earth Engine with a Cloud Project? Follow the steps below.

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Choose a Sign-up Method

• First-time GEE Users: Visit the Project Registration Page to start the Sign-up Flow.
• Existing GEE Users: Visit the Earth Engine Code Editor and click on the account logo in the top-right corner and select Register a new Cloud Project. This will start the Sign-up Flow.

Sign-up Flow

1. On the Product Registration Page, select Register a Noncommercial or Commercial Cloud project.

2. Next, you need to choose How do you want to use Earth Engine?. Choose the Paid usage or Unpaid usage depending on your use case. Click Next. Since we are a training provider, we have chosen Unpaid usage → Trainer & trainees. You should select the category that applies to you.

3. In the next dialog, choose Create a new Google Cloud Project. Select No organization for Organization and enter a Project-ID. This id needs to be unique. A standard practice is to use the project-ID in the form of ee-<yourusername>. Click CONTINUE TO SUMMARY. If you have never used Google Cloud before, an error message will be displayed with a note You must accept the Cloud Terms of Service before a Cloud Project can be created. Click on the link that will open the Google Cloud Console. If you do not get the warning, skip to step 6.

4. Choose your Country and review the Google Cloud Platform Terms of Service and the terms of service of any applicable services and APIs. After reviewing, click AGREE AND CONTINUE.

5. Once the Terms of Service have been accepted, go back to the previous tab and click CONTINUE TO SUMMARY.

6. You will be presented with a summary in the Confirm your Cloud project information dialog. Review and click CONFIRM.

7. The project will be registered and you will be redirected to the Code Editor. If you are not redirected automatically, visit the Earth Engine Code Editor.

8. Your code editor will now display information about the linked project.

Done! You are now ready to start using your Earth Engine account with a Cloud Project.

Disclaimer: The information provider below is general information to help new users. The cloud-integration with Earth Engine is evolving and may change in the future. Read to the official guides linked above for up-to-date information.

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