Google have excelled themselves.

They have released the first version of Google Earth.

Google Earth is a dynamic atlas that runs on your PC, providing access to all parts of the globe via 3-D images taken from satellites.

Ever wanted to do a fly-by of somewhere in the world? Google Earth will take you anywhere you want to go, at the scroll of a mouse. Some places aren't very detailed yet (like all of NZ) but most places are incredibly realistic.

Visit Buckingham Palace


or fly over Mt St Helens


or even check out Tauranga, NZ
.

If you have W2K or WinXP and a broadband connection, you can download from the link above and play Google Earth, too.

You won't be disappointed.