[citation][nom]SillyAmerican[/nom]Google Maps 5 looks like yuck. I prefer satelite because, well, that's what it really looks like. Not some weird 3D effects.[/citation]
Silly American, both modes offer different perspective for exactly that: That's what it actually looks like!
One has bird eye view and flat, the other has buildings and 3d landscape.
Both to better show you where you are and what you're looking at.