Is That My House?

Google and Microsoft have been working hard to bring color satellite images to your computer, free. Simply type in any street address, and up comes a satellite image of the location. For more info, read the full text.

Google Maps

You are probably all familiar with Google Maps, which came along after MapQuest and Yahoo Maps. But, they implemented a pretty novel feature at that time, a satellite image overlay on the map. For example, visit http://maps.google.com and then enter in any street address. You will be presented with a map of the area. Now, click on the Satellite button to bring in the images. You can also click the Hybrid button to overlay the street map and the satellite imagery.

Microsoft Live

Not to be outdone by Google, Microsoft has also rolled out its version. It can be found at http://live.com You will see that this website's interface is surprisingly similar to Google's. That's funny, isn't it? Anyway, click on the Maps link, and then type in your street address. Up comes the map of your address. Now, click the Aerial button to see the satellite images. The Hybrid button combines the map and the images. Microsoft's live.com site also includes a button called Birds Eye View, which shows you images from four angles taken by airplanes as they have flown over the locations.

Both of these free services are easy to use. In addition, the images from their collections can easily be integrated into websites.