web applications - Google Earth or Google Maps? -

web applications - Google Earth or Google Maps? -

i have 3 weeks develop prototype. bascially fleet management system, browser based. tracking tractors in open country, using low info rate satellite modems study vehicle location on regular basis.

i struggling grip on whether want utilize google earth or google maps:

ease of implementation (php/html 5, pulling info mysql database) tracking each vehicle, drawing line, toggle display of time and/or distance travelled @ each location visual appeal user (given open country, no real landmarks) available overlays (rainfall, temperature data, elevation, etc) anythign else?

i toally @ loss on mapping part (the reast can do). 1 of google earth / maps "best " for me? (not wanting start religious war)

is possible utilize both , toggle between them?

any other advice? googling crazy , might not post question before doing more research, dealine ricdicuous. @ 16 hr days , need of help , advice can get. will have live decision create , don't want create hasty 1 based on scant knowledge.

thanks in advance...

[update] oic. google earth pc applicaion , gogole maps browser based. well, guess that answers that, then.

[update] sigh! it's of head of company uses i-pad end users have windows desktops. wants browser based "just in case" wants @ (which might twice in first week , never again). why seem way?

to identify right solution, first need identify target audience app.

will users of web-based app using desktops, ipads, or mobile devices have google earth available? will intented users using big screens located @ info center (google earth or google maps work) or remote users in field (google maps might best improve fit)? not mobile devices back upwards google earth application , mobile devices have limited feature set. google maps api, on other hand, run on web browsers multiple of devices.

see details:

google earth mobile http://www.google.com/earth/explore/products/mobile.html

google maps mobile http://www.google.com/mobile/maps/

also note if utilize google earth api can mashup earth , maps in single web application 1 time again requires platforms back upwards google earth client.

here's sample demo seek out:

http://earth-api-samples.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/demos/drive-simulator/index.html

google-maps web-applications google-earth