Shown below is a typical example of different imaging in GE.
The left section, which is ideal for exploration, is provided by Digital Globe. The right section is provided by the US Geological Survey and is practically useless for any in-depth exploration.
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"All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed; Second, it is violently opposed; Third, it is accepted as being self-evident."
Although, no-one can say what is deliberate or not unless we are privvy to the thoughts and workings of Google Earth. It could be just a difference in the image quality they receive from their partners in space imaging.