Google Zooms In Satellite Map Imagery

Google on Tuesday updated the satellite images in its Google Earth software and Google Local search, adding two more zoom levels that provide a close-up birds-eye view of locations around the world. The change comes after Microsoft's Windows Live Local added similar capabilities.

"Now for many areas around the world you can see a lot more detail than you could before," said Google Earth team member Chikai Ohazama. "Take a look at people standing at the gates of Buckingham Palace in London, or jump over the pond and see the Statue of Liberty in New York."