Google Earth is another free service from the good folks at Google. After downloading and installing a 10Mb program, you have extraordinary access to satellite images of the entire globe, with intuitive controls that allow you to zoom in to your house or tilt the terrain. There are 3D views of the buildings in 40 American cities, and overlays for restaurants, businesses, weather, crime statistics, and more. There are links to Google Maps and Google Local as well. Set up several place markers and take an aerial tour.
Here’s a page of famous places and landmarks – you can either look at screen shots or zoom there in Google Earth after it’s installed.
Google purchased a satellite imagery company named Keyhole last year when it was flush with IPO money. Keyhole had been marketing the service for $299 per year; Google is giving it away. It’s fascinating. Take a look!
