Images: Virtual Earth 3D marries maps, search

Microsoft's Virtual Earth 3D, announced on Monday, allows advertisers to buy banner ads that float above buildings in photorealistic environments. The application, which downloads into a browser, melds together Virtual Earth's 3D features and Microsoft map and local search. In this screen shot, Zip Realty ads appear on virtual billboards in downtown San Francisco near AT&T baseball park.

Photo by Elinor Mills/CNET News.com