Google Maps vs Google Earth: What Are the Real Differences?

Google Maps and Google Earth are more or less considered the same tools, but is that really the case? It's a question worth asking. If you search for "Google Maps vs Google Earth" on Google, the first question people ask is whether these mapping tools are actually the same thing.

In this comprehensive comparison, we will demystify it all. We will shed some light on Google Earth and compare side by side the differences between our two protagonists. Let's dive deep into this analysis to understand which tool suits your specific needs best.

The Historical Background: When Each Platform Was Born

Let's start with the basics. Google Earth was created in 2001, while Google Maps came later in 2005. The most obvious thing when we place these names side by side is that they are both owned by Google, which explains their apparent similarity. However, when you dig deeper, some significant differences emerge, particularly in the platforms they offer and their core functionalities.

Platform Availability: Where You Can Access Each Tool

Google Maps can be used in two ways: via a mobile app or on the web. Google Earth, on the other hand, has three options: a mobile app, the web version, and a desktop application called Google Earth Pro. This desktop version is particularly important, and we'll come back to that later in our comparison.

Let's compare apples to apples, starting with the web version. When I open Google Maps in a private window, I get a direct view of my location. When I open Google Earth, by default I'm positioned at the Greenwich Meridian. To get my location, I need to click an additional button. All right, let's say we will overlook that for now.

Visual Differences: 2D vs 3D Mapping

Now let's zoom out a bit. Here's where things get interesting: Google Maps is a 2D map while Google Earth is a 3D map, and this has significant consequences in terms of proportions.

Let's take Greenland as an example. On Google Maps, Greenland appears enormous - big enough to stretch across Africa or South America from end to end. But on Google Earth, it immediately appears much smaller. This is what's called the Mercator projection. Regions close to the poles are disproportionately larger than those near the equator, and in this regard, Google Earth presents a view closer to reality.

Point-by-Point Comparison: The Real Differences

Now let's get straight to the point. What are the specific differences between Google Maps and Google Earth?

First Criterion: Popularity and Accessibility

I use an Android phone, and Google Maps was pre-installed by default, while Google Earth wasn't. For this comparison, I had to download the Google Earth app from the Play Store. You might say, "François, it's no big deal, that's just a detail." Well, not really. It's actually quite representative of the popularity of both tools.

Google Maps is a tool for everyone, while Google Earth has a more niche use. This accessibility difference reflects their intended audiences and primary use cases.

Second Criterion: Search Capabilities and Local Business Discovery

Both applications have a search bar, which is great. Let's search for "restaurant" to see how they handle local business discovery and navigation tasks.

On Google Maps, the system works flawlessly. The top section displays pins with ratings, while the bottom gives a visual list of different restaurants. For each one, you can get directions with a single click. The interface is intuitive and comprehensive, making Google Maps features ideal for everyday navigation.

On Google Earth, you either have the pins or the list, but not both on the same screen. Let's not mention that the list is way shorter and much more basic. For me, it's a clear win for Google Maps when it comes to finding local businesses and getting turn-by-turn directions.

Third Criterion: Available Information Depth

Clicking on a pin reveals where the real differences become apparent. On Google Earth, you see the name, photos, address, coordinates, and phone number. That's it.

On Google Maps, you get the name, photos, address, coordinates, phone number, features, opening hours, website, rating, number of reviews, reviews breakdown, individual review details, description, online menu, peak hours, and much more. So that's another knockout victory for Google Maps.

Yes, Google Maps is much more than just a navigation tool. It's an endless database. You type a profession and a place, and you get your list of potential prospects. And what if I tell you that this list of prospects is right at your fingertips?

The Power of Google Maps for Business Intelligence

This is where tools like Scrap.io come into play. Scrap.io is the ultimate tool for extracting data from Google Maps. It's easy: you insert a business category and the location, and you have access to your filtered list. This list can be refined - for example, I can have access to only leads including at least one email address. Finally, I can get my CSV or Excel file with all the business data I need.

For a comprehensive guide on extracting contact information from Google Maps, check out our complete email extraction tutorial which covers advanced techniques and best practices.

This demonstrates the practical business application of Google Maps' extensive database. With over 200 million businesses indexed and the ability to extract data in real-time, tools like Scrap.io make Google Maps an invaluable resource for:

Lead generation and prospecting
Market research and competitor analysis
Local business intelligence
Real estate and location-based services

Before diving into Google Maps data extraction, it's essential to understand the legal framework surrounding this practice to ensure compliance with terms of service and data protection regulations.

The difference is clear: while Google Earth excels at exploration, Google Maps excels at business applications where up-to-date, actionable data is crucial.

When Google Earth Shines: Geographic and Official Data

Let's stick with the third criterion - available information - because during my research, I made an interesting discovery. The larger a place is, the more official a place is, the more relevant the information provided by Google Earth becomes.

For example, if I click on France, I'm immediately shown information worthy of an official report: the capital, the government, population, surface area. None of this appears on Google Maps, and it doesn't stop there. The same applies when you search for a city or even a neighborhood or a historical monument.

If I click on the Panthéon, I can directly see a list of those who are buried there. In this sense, Google Maps provides more touristic information, whereas Google Earth focuses more on geographical data and official statistics.

The True Value Proposition of Google Earth

What if that was the true added value of Google Earth? Since the beginning of this comparison, it's been unclear what justifies its existence alongside Google Maps. Google Maps is well known, serves as a navigation tool, and is used daily by hundreds of millions of people.

Google Earth, on the other hand, lacks all of that mainstream appeal, but it has one significant advantage: its exploration capabilities. Of course, both tools have features that align with this purpose - they both offer features like Street View or satellite imagery - but you might be missing an important point: the desktop application Google Earth Pro.

Google Earth Pro: Professional Features for Specialized Use

This desktop version offers unique functionalities that set it apart and answer the question "when to use Google Earth":

The ability to access historical satellite imagery
The privilege of exploring the sky, the moon, or Mars
The option to save KML files used for geographical data
Advanced measurement tools for professional analysis

One can imagine numerous fields where these Google Earth features can be useful: architecture, geography, environmental studies. One thing is certain: with its updated interface, Google Earth Pro was never intended for mass market use. However, it does have an educational value, or rather a professional value, that distinguishes it from Google Maps.

The Verdict: Different Tools for Different Purposes

This detailed comparison between Google Maps and Google Earth reveals that while they share the Google brand and deal with geographic information, they serve fundamentally different purposes in the mapping ecosystem.

When to use Google Maps: It excels as a practical, everyday tool for navigation, local business discovery, and tourism. It's the go-to solution for finding restaurants, getting directions, checking business hours, and reading reviews. Its extensive database makes it invaluable for both consumers and businesses looking to gather market intelligence.

When to use Google Earth: Particularly the Pro version, it serves a more specialized audience. It's designed for educators, researchers, professionals who need accurate geographic data, historical imagery, and advanced exploration tools. While it may not have the mass appeal of Google Maps, it offers unique capabilities that are essential for specific professional and educational applications.

The choice between them depends entirely on your needs. For daily navigation and local business research, Google Maps is unbeatable. For geographic research, education, or professional analysis requiring accurate projections and specialized data, Google Earth is the superior choice.

If you're interested in leveraging Google Maps data for your business intelligence needs, Scrap.io offers a comprehensive solution that makes extracting and organizing business information straightforward and efficient. Our platform has been specifically designed to work with Google Maps' extensive database while maintaining compliance with data protection standards.

Whether you choose Google Maps or Google Earth, understanding their distinct strengths will help you make the most of these powerful geographic tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Google Maps or Google Earth?

Neither is inherently "better" - they serve different purposes. Google Maps is better for navigation, local business search, and daily practical use. It excels at getting directions, finding restaurants, and providing real-time traffic information. Google Earth is better for exploration, education, and professional geographic analysis. It offers superior 3D visualization, historical imagery, and specialized tools for research.

How are Google Earth and Google Maps different?

The main differences include:

Interface: Google Maps uses a 2D interface optimized for navigation, while Google Earth provides a 3D globe experience
Platform availability: Google Maps works on web and mobile, while Google Earth offers web, mobile, and a professional desktop version
Primary purpose: Google Maps focuses on practical navigation and local business discovery; Google Earth emphasizes exploration and geographic education
Data presentation: Google Maps shows more detailed business information (reviews, hours, contact details), while Google Earth provides better geographic and historical data

Can I see my house in real time on Google Earth?

No, Google Earth does not provide real-time imagery. Both Google Earth and Google Maps use static satellite images that are captured and updated periodically, not continuously. The imagery you see can be anywhere from a few months to several years old, depending on the location. While some services offer "near real-time" satellite imagery, true live satellite feeds of specific locations are not available to the general public.

What do people use Google Earth for?

Google Earth is commonly used for:

Educational purposes: Teaching geography, environmental science, and history
Professional research: Urban planning, environmental monitoring, and archaeological studies
Personal exploration: Virtual travel and discovering new places around the world
Historical analysis: Viewing changes in landscapes over time using historical imagery
Specialized applications: Creating KML files, measuring distances, and importing GPS data

Is Google Earth Pro free?

Yes, Google Earth Pro is completely free. Google made the desktop version free in 2015, removing the previous $399 annual licensing fee. You can download and use all Google Earth Pro features without cost, including advanced tools like historical imagery, high-resolution printing, and data import capabilities.

When should I use Google Maps vs Google Earth?

Use Google Maps when you need to:

Get turn-by-turn directions
Find local businesses and read reviews
Check real-time traffic conditions
Navigate in everyday situations
Access detailed business information

Use Google Earth when you want to:

Explore the world in 3D
View historical satellite imagery
Conduct educational or research projects
Create geographical presentations
Analyze geographic data professionally