They can definitely reduce your scouting time

Once I finally understood how to read topo maps overlaid on satellite imagery, then combined that a basic idea of how deer use certain terrain features, it helped me significantly narrow down some target areas on public land. Something I am starting to try to be better at when looking at aerial maps for public land hunting is pinpointing the easiest access routes and eliminating those areas from consideration. If it's easy to get to most people are gonna be using it. That helps cut down on a large swath of land and keeps me focused on looking for unconventional or less utilized access points.

Once you do that, then you can start looking at terrain features and put boots on the ground to find deer sign and set locations.

I personally feel it is one of, if not the most important tool I have at my disposal other than trail cameras. I certainly have spent more time dissecting maps than physical hours in my woods. Even on property that I have hunted for the past 5 years, I still utilize them almost daily. Heck I bet I've spent at least 2-3hrs already this week staring at them! Saves me tons of time on days when I'm able to get up to the camp. I like to actually have a plan in place rather than randomly rambling all over hoping to find a good area and just wasting valuable time.

Google earth and cameras have caused more big bucks to die in the last 10 years than the 50 years previous no doubt.