Kugelblitz – Mac-Native Google Earth Alternative(apps.metaebene.me)
266 points by luoc 5 days ago | 66 comments
tl;dr: Kugelblitz is a native Mac 3D globe/atlas app that renders Earth (and neighboring bodies) using open geodata from OpenStreetMap and other public sources via its own tile server, with no account or region downloads required. It supports imagery, road, and topographic maps draped on 3D terrain, five atlas projections, SpaceMouse control, Vision Pro streaming, and runs smoothly on an M1. Extras include a library of global geoportals and a time-based display of eclipses, earthquakes, eruptions, and other events over 5,000 years.
HN Discussion:
  • ↑Praise for the developer and recognition of TerraVision-like inspiration
  • ↓Skepticism about touting M1 smoothness as impressive given Google Earth's history
  • ~UI/UX critiques about toolbars, traffic lights, and missing interactions like inertia spinning
  • ↓Reports of compatibility issues on newer Macs (M5 Tahoe)
  • •Curiosity about data sources and suggestions for feature additions like clouds