Google's Cartography Apps: Maps for Directions, Earth for Detail

Google has two cartography apps: Google Maps and Google Earth. While they share some functionality, such as satellite imagery with geographic information, they serve different purposes. Google Maps is a user-friendly interactive map that offers driving directions and information about businesses and landmarks. It was launched on February 8, 2005, and has since evolved to include features like traffic, toll, and speed trap info, transit directions, Street View, and augmented reality navigation.

On the other hand, Google Earth is a program that allows users to browse the world in a 3D environment through a camera with multiple degrees of freedom. It was originally developed by Keyhole in the 1990s and had ties with the Central Intelligence Agency before being acquired by Google. Launched on June 28, 2005, it features satellite imagery and has been used for various purposes, including helping governments respond to large-scale destructive events.

Google Earth also allows users to create custom maps and model their own objects onto the global geography. It has been used as a data-intensive storytelling medium by content creators, such as Jon Bois, who has profiled athletes and teams using newspaper clippings and statistical charts. The company has continued to develop new features, including integrating its Gemini AI assistant into the program.