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What's the difference between Google Earth and Google Maps

  • Writer: Anvita Shrivastava
    Anvita Shrivastava
  • Aug 6
  • 3 min read

Developers, data analysts, urban planners, and location intelligence specialists must comprehend the subtle distinctions between Google Earth and Google Maps in the ever-changing field of geospatial technology. Despite being part of Google's vast geospatial ecosystem, the two platforms' designs, use cases, and APIs differ greatly in terms of developer extensibility, integration potential, data granularity, and visualization capabilities.


Google Earth and Google Maps
Google Earth and Google Maps

Purpose and Core Functionality

Feature

Google Maps

Google Earth

Primary Use

Navigation, real-time routing, location-based services

3D visualization, virtual globe, terrain exploration

Audience

Consumers, businesses, mobile users

Researchers, educators, GIS professionals

Interface

2D map + satellite + Street View

High-resolution 3D terrain and photorealistic imagery

Google Maps is optimized for commercial location services, local discovery, real-time navigation, and API interfaces into applications that interact with users.


In contrast, Google Earth provides a comprehensive 3D geographic exploration experience that is perfect for performing terrain-aware presentations, replicating landscapes, and studying environmental change.


Data Layers and Accuracy


Google Maps Data Stack


  • Layered tiles on vector maps

  • Traffic and transit statistics in real time

  • Points of Interest (POIs) and dynamic business listings

  • Images from Street View

  • Real-time data through the APIs of the Google Maps Platform


Google Earth Data Stack


  • Elevation models and 3D terrain meshes

  • Archive of historical satellite imagery

  • Support for spatial annotations in KML/KMZ files

  • Urban areas using high-resolution photogrammetry

  • Datasets related to geology and ecology (via Earth Engine integration)


Whereas Google Maps emphasizes real-time vector tile streaming for quicker user experience and routing calculations, Google Earth offers a richer temporal and spatial resolution for terrain study.


Developer APIs and Integration


Google Maps Platform APIs


  • Maps API in JavaScript

  • Roads API, Distance Matrix, and Directions

  • Places API (autocomplete, ratings, and search)

  • Maps SDK for iOS and Android

  • Static API for Street View


Perfect for:


  • Applications for ride-sharing

  • Search for local businesses.

  • Mapping inside

  • Monitoring assets


Google Earth Engine & Web-based Earth Studio


  • Python and JavaScript APIs for analysing satellite images

  • Analysis at the planet scale for datasets at the petabyte scale

  • Earth Studio for satellite-layered video animation

  • KML-based narrative and data overlays


Perfect for:


  • Monitoring of climate change

  • Classification of land use

  • Modelling the environment

  • Geographical narrative and modelling


2D vs 3D Visualization


  • Limited 3D rendering via WebGL is supported by Google Maps in a few locales. The majority of its tiles are still available in raster or 2D vector formats.

  • Using Cesium-like spatial engines, Google Earth provides native 3D globe rendering with volumetric textures, realistic buildings, and elevation contours.


Use Case Example:


Google Earth Pro or Web should be used by urban planners to simulate shadow studies or building footprints, while delivery services require Google Maps' routing API stack.


File Format and Customization

Feature

Google Maps

Google Earth

Supported Format

JSON, GeoJSON, Lat/Lng pairs

KML, KMZ, GIS shapefiles (via import)

Custom Layers

API-based overlays

Full geospatial scripting, KML layers

Historical Data

Limited (time slider for traffic only)

Yes – multi-year archive of imagery

While Maps limits customisation to parameters and layers that are constrained by the API, Google Earth allows for more complex spatial storytelling through the use of Keyhole Markup Language (KML), including time-animated layers.


Offline Access and Software Options


  • Google Maps: Mobile offline maps (just 2D and simple routing)

  • Complete offline access to elevation profiles, KML projects, and 3D globes is provided by Google Earth Pro (Desktop).


Google Earth Pro is still the best option for outdoor work in places with poor internet or for high-performance geospatial simulations.


Integration with Google’s Ecosystem


  • Google Maps has extensive integrations with Firebase, Android OS, and Google Ads.

  • Google Earth integrates with YouTube (via Earth Studio animations), Google Earth Engine, and Google Cloud.


Google Earth is superior at high-resolution visualization, historical imagery analysis, and immersive storytelling, whereas Google Maps is designed for real-time, interactive location-based applications. The depth of research, visualization fidelity, and integration requirements all play a role in the platform selection for geospatial professionals and developers.


The present is powered by Google Maps. The depth of space and time can be seen with Google Earth.


For more information or any questions regarding Google Earth and Google Maps, please don't hesitate to contact us at


USA (HQ): (720) 702–4849

India: 98260-76466 - Pradeep Shrivastava

Canada: (519) 590 9999

Mexico: 55 5941 3755

UK & Spain: +44 12358 56710


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