Both Google Earth and Google Maps need to be connected to the Internet, because the map data used is too large to install all the maps on an ordinary machine. Google earth will install a client software to browse the map. Google Maps is to view the map directly on the browser in the form of visiting a web page, and the client does not need to install it. For beginners, google maps is relatively easy to use, and the installation of google earth requires machine hardware, because google earth works in OpenGL or DirectX mode. If there are problems with both, you can't open google earth. I installed google earth twice, but I can't open it. Two:: From the functional comparison, Google Earth is better than Google Maps. The map operation of the two is similar, both of them move the map directly with the mouse, and you can scroll and zoom the map with the mouse. However, the flight browsing of google earth cannot be realized based on google maps in the form of web. This kind of flight browsing effect is really as refreshing as browsing the ground on an airplane. In addition, Google Maps is weak in the function of customizing maps. Recently, Google Maps launched My Maps, allowing users to customize points, lines and surfaces. Functionally, it gradually approaches the goolge Earth. In addition, the 3D model display of Google Earth is currently unavailable in Google Maps. Three: In terms of openness, google earth is not as independent as google earth, and google earth provides a secondary development api that allows users to display maps on their own web pages. At present, many websites have developed map applications using Google Maps api.