I'm sure one can imagine the benefits even of Google Earth Free - tour potential neighborhoods to evaluate quality overall, using satellite images taken over the span of many years to track residential and commercial development in a neighborhood or town.
Where Google Earth Pro (GEP) sets itself apart from the free version is in its GIS data integration. Theoretically, what you can do is limitless, assuming that you can obtain the data sets to integrate into the map. That is the big question. While land parcel databases are often able to be viewed free and publicly online, towns and counties can be guarded when it comes to releasing their actual land parcel data files (even if they are public record). That being said, it does not mean you will be unable to obtain land parcel data for your area of interest.
Assuming you can get the data, my understanding is that GEP allows the visualization of a .shp file and some limited querying of its database. I have been spoiled by my access to ESRI's ArcGIS software. Its features are much more expansive the GEP.
What is it exactly that you are looking to do with GIS software? I may be able to provide you a more targeted answer.
I'd like to hear more on this as well. My county makes the GIS data available for download, and I've used the parcel data before. Would GEP allow me to overlay this data onto the maps and query it?
GEP allows you to overlay your GIS data, presuming it is of a compatible file type. The link below is directly from them and notes that .kmz and .shp files are compatible. Google specifically names files from ESRI products as compatible. It is likely that your county uses ArcGIS (from ESRI) for their GIS applications.
As far as querying goes, GEP has some limited functionality. I would say its most definitely worth a try. However, keep in mind that ESRI offers a free version of ArcGIS (ArcGIS Explorer, link below) that seems to have greater functionality with respect to querying. I personally prefer ESRI software, but Google could be better for your person taste.
I am an Ag Appraiser Researcher/Trainee. For the last 5 or so years our industry has been revolutionized due to Google Earth Pro. The fact that appraisers can look at Land and Buildings on Google Earth is simply amazing. I just took a technology applications class specific for Google Earth Layers used in the Agriculture Industry. I have some ideas and resources on how you can cost effectively create layers for your own use on the residential side. Its overwhelming what you can do with G Earth but if your trying to figure this out lets talk. I would love to help share information.