OK, yes it is for the initial load by several seconds. However, once Maps is loaded, it takes what I consider WAY too much time to redraw the screen. I don't remember this time delay with previous macOS's. Google Earth wins this race hands down.
When I move the screen in Maps, all I see are "black squares" and then slowing the graphics fill in the map. VERY annoying when trying to move the displayed map left, right, up or down. Once I get to the new location I want to display, Maps is fine.
Yes, I can just see the black squares, but they all fill in the blink of an eye. Is your network speed slow or giving some problems? Where are you located?