When searching for property it is always  best to do some homework before requesting a showing from your Realtor.  Even though gas prices have come down, it is still very expensive to drive by every single property that might be a match for your needs.  I am a very "Google" focused person-meaning google email, google search, chat, google docs, customized iGoogle page, and of course their map program. I recently checked out www.map.live.com and discovered that they have this amazing "bird's eye" view. One of the best features is the ability to rotate the view around the property of interest.  As you will see in the images below I am able to spin 360 degrees around this listing of mine on Seamans Rd in New London .

Bird's Eye View Tool Bar

Map.live.com

Here is a listing of mine on http://maps.live.com/ which is a Microsoft Virtual Earth product.

173 Seamans Rd New London $495,000

From the road

Looking at the garage side of the house

Looking at the back of the side of the house

Looking at the side of the house

I think that this is just an awesome feature to have on a quick map program and I hope you find it useful as well!