Flash Earth

There’s quite a few different mapping tools now available on the Internet including Google Maps, Microsoft’s Live Search etc.

However, I’ve found that these different tools can be using vastly different aerial images. For instance, the area I live in, on Google Maps (and Earth) is a very low resolution image where you cannot even make out where towns are, let alone your own house! Whereas using Flash Earth, you can quickly switch between the different mapping engines to see which has the best quality images for you - in my case it was Live Search and I can get detailed images of my house and local area.

Obviously you don’t get as many of the features as on the actual mapping sites and miss out on journey mapping, 3D imaging etc, however you do get a search facility. That said, it’s a nicely put together tool that you can at least use as a stepping stone for your mapping needs, try it out and see what you think!