There's a lot more to Google Maps than simply finding your way around. Google offers a wide range of features and plenty of information designed to help throughout your life. Unfortunately, the company has apparently decided that you're only allowed access to some of that information if you're signed in with a Google account.
If you choose to opt out of having a Google account, or at the very least logging into Google Maps with it, then you're going to end up looking at a stripped-down version. One that gives you directions, but cuts out a lot of other important things like reviews or location images.
