Google Earth Pro

Are there any major differences vs. the standard flavor? I thought the major difference was that commercial use was permitted, I understood image resolution, etc. was the same?

SHG

Most of the features in Google Earth free are the ones surveyors would need. I personally tried the pro free trial and investigated very thoroughly and found that none of the features were worth the 400 per annum price, at least not for my business needs. There are far less expensive ways to get decent quality aerials when absolutely necessary, and for most of us the available free imagery will suffice. While it is cool to be able to import gps/gis data there are other ways it can be done and managed effectively with autocad software. I have a .dwg file that I've placed all the GPS, bm's, and control points I've set or used over the years into for future use, works just fine when needed, and it's free. When I do have to "georefercence" for whatever reason WITH aerials I just pull it into that control file, which is itself "georeferenced" to SPC's.

A hint to prospective GE Pro buyers: SNAGIT

I should note that if I needed a lot of rough topo info on a regular basis GE Pro might be worth the cost, although there are other ways of getting that free as well.

I could not justify a one-off $400 for the pro version, let alone $400 per annum.

Also looked, quickly decided it was not worth it.
jud

The movie maker is pretty cool. I have used it to make exhibits for planning commission meetings. Also the "Save Image" resolution is 100X better than the free version (the res. of the imagery on the GE server is not better just the res. of the saved image). The US Parcel Data overlay is a very handy tool. I don't think I could perform certain tasks without it. I am working on two LARGE R/W engineering projects. Being able to import a KMZ of the proposed R/W and immediately identifying the affected parcels by APN saves me a lot of time on the research end of things. I couldn't imagine having to prepare a land-net with out it.

If you keep a database or spreadsheet of project addresses, GE Pro can GeoCode the addresses to Lat and Long and plot them. It's a nice addition for getting a visual reference for projects youve done in an area. I update my GE projects "places" every 6 months or so.

There are other ways to do the same without paying for GE Pro, but is a bit cumbersome.

All I can say is if the free aerials get much better than they are right now, we won't have to leave the office. (though the free Bing maps seem much better in my area)

Google Earth Pro + Penry

How about upgrading the corner restoration act to a Google Earth Pro movie?

Penry starts his search for an original post in mound with charcoal.
The corner was improved with a 12" x 12" cornerstone years later.

Penry leaves his truck and the movie starts with his camera mounting on a
tripod sighted at the anticipated location of the cornerstone. The digging
starts, the cornerstone is located two hours later. A pipe is set exactly
over the center of the stone. Ties are made and filmed.

Penry walks the section line and the next corner search starts. The next
find is recorded. GPS and camera shots were located as Penry criss-crosses
the section line. After course the GPS positions of the section line are
computed after the second corner is found. The movie is e-mailed to the
county recorder or clerk.

I would check with Tallahasse and your county assessors
for shape files. Your DNR might have some useful information
for your topos.