Comments on: Google adds satellite images to maps

New feature gives people bird's eye view of locations they search for, as Net giant seeks to outdo rivals.
Images: Google takes a satellite view

[finman65]

MapQuest used to have this feature

MapQuest used to offer satellite imagery for their maps as well. That feature went away (along with others) at some point a few years back.

[Razzl]

not impressed

Okay, I've just spent some time checking it out and I'm underwhelmed. First of all, you only get the closest resolution if you're in one of the major urban areas (or inexplicably chosen rural areas) which you can see blocked off by darker colors on the larger maps. If you're not in that zone, the resolution isn't sharp enough to get down to where you can figure out roads and streets. If you are in the zone, you still don't get good clarity down at the highest resolution. I doubt many people will find this useful, after looking up their own house once just for laughs. Google won't generate any advantages with this--the winner will still be who gives the best street maps with easiest search engine, for free of course...

I disagree

I can see your point that not many folks will find this useful. But, it is a pretty darned cool feature, and those kinds of things draw eyeballs and loyalty. How many people will be telling their friends, "Did you see that cool new Google maps feature?!" When people check it out (possibly their first visit to Google maps), they will be impressed, regardless of its usefulness in a real world situation. And when they need a map, or directions, they are likely to return to Google maps.

My question is, will Google charge for this when maps is released as a final product? I doubt it, but we'll see...

[nsns]

Bug fixed?

Well, it seems to be working fine now.

crap!!

http://terraserver.homeadvisor.msn.com/ has much more detailed photos and maps than google. google has a long way to go