I assume some have heard of this, and even if you haven't, you may have seen news programs beginning to use it to show hurricane images and tracks, etc.

go here for a tour and explanation

This, I regret to say, requires a broadband connection to really be useful, but it is beyond astounding what they are able to do. Besides things like images of Katrina and its aftermath, it can show streets in most populated areas in the US, Canada and the UK, and in the US it can show 3D images and tilt to show buildings from differen angles.

Also, it will allow looking up directions, like Mapquest and Google Maps, but if you wish, you can push a VCR-like button and the directions page will FLY you along the route noted in the directions!!!

I submitted my address in Maryland and my old address in Kansas, and watched the scenery zoom by at something like 200 MPH at 1000 ft elevation! I guess I could have watched the movie for several hours...but....

I post this because, IF you are doing something like trying to find the Getaway for the first time, you can get a feel for exactly what the route involves...or if you are just trying to find your way in a strange town.

(I have not tried it for UK addresses, but it says it works for a lot of it)

This technology was bought by Google from a company called "Keyhole", and there are still forums where people post links to
interesting satellite photos from all over the world and discuss, and play 'guess what' games..etc...etc.

This is one example of technology being used for really practical purposes, and I'm glad I lived long enough to see it.