While all the rage lately seems to be Google Maps, there is another great application by Google called Google Earth which is basically Google Maps on crack. It’s an application you download to your computer which gives you access to satellite imagery from around the world, right from your desktop and also includes some of the great functionality of Google Maps such as getting directions. I’ve actually been using this application over Google Maps lately because it’s just so much more powerful. You can even have Google Earth show you restaurants, businesses, or landmarks near a specified area (try a search for pizza near your_zipcode to see what I mean).

Please note that in order to take full advantage of Google Earth, you will need to have a relatively fast computer, and a broadband connection. The applications is currently only available for Windows users (no news on Mac or Linux versions yet).

The application is free and offers tons of great, very useful features, but Google is offering two upgrade packages, as well. The first is Google Earth Plus which allows you to use the application with a GPS device, import spreadsheets, higher resolution printing, and gives you access to e-mail support. The upgrade costs only $20 and may definitely be worth it. If you’re a business owner, you can also try Google Earth Pro ($400), which will also show you schools, hospitals, retail stores, real estate data, and much more.

If you wish to get even more feature than what Google offers, check out Google Earth Hacks. Some of my favorite hacks include the Flickr images hack which lets you see images posted on Flickr near your specified area, local weather hacks, and sightseeing locations from around the world.

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