Finding your way with Google Maps

Ever since I can remember I loved to look at maps. I could imagine standing in the places that I saw on the paper. Before I go anywhere on a trip I’ll pull out the map to get my bearings on the locale. So when I discovered Google Maps a while back I always have something to do and look at while online. The interface is slick and the scrolling and zoom feature makes using it a breeze. Just type in an address and it will bring up the map of that location. But the thing that sets it apart is the satellite view function.

You can instantly go from traditional map to an actual physical overhead view. Not all of the pictures will let you zoom in as close as you would like, and some are obviously a few years old but I imagine with time that will improve. Right now it’s also limited to the North America but that will also change I’m sure. A great site that takes advantage of this is Google Sightseeing where you can see some famous sites and other interesting things that people have discovered while playing around (the stealth bomber isn’t so stealthy from above!).

As the service improves (they just added views of Europe and the Middle East) I’m sure there will be some privacy and security issues that might have to be addressed, but for now take a spin and have some fun.