From the Salmon

Actually, it kinda does. You thought Google Maps was fancy? Wait until you see Google Satellite Maps!

Here, for example, is the aforementioned Hetch Hetchy Reservoir. And here is how to get from the Sears Tower to the Art Institute of Chicago.

Looks like somebody just acquired Keyhole. Which means that this is only gonna get cooler.

Update: So maybe “rules the world” is a little strong. You can scroll around the world, but Google doesn’t yet seem to acknowledge any actual civilization outside of the U.S. and Canada. I have a friend who has played around extensively with Keyhole, though, and from what he says, the global coverage is pretty impressive. So we may have that to look forward to. That and swooping. Oh sweet mercy, the swooping.

Another Update: It should come as no surprise that someone has started a blog devoted solely to impressive and surprising places and things you can see on Google Satellite Maps. Check out Google Sightseeing.