Ok some of you might use this already but figured i'd offer it to everyone. With investigations as far away as some are this is a great tool to check out the site in advance. You can check on the surrounding area, check layout, safety, water, rail lines, powerlines, traffic.
First I recommend using Firefox to do this
If you have firefox, install this free addon called screengrab
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/1146Ok now go here
http://dev.live.com/virtualearth/sdk/Click on the map to zoom in on where you want to check out.
( I usually use google maps in another tab first to pin point the address)
Now zoom in and find the street your looking for. When you find the place zoom and select BIRDSEYE VIEW. If Birdseye view isn't offered you will have to settle for aerial view, not as close or clear.
Zoom in to see what the place looks like.
You can rotate, zoom in and out.
Place mouse on picture and move the map around.
Once you have the picture you want right click just off the map and then select screen grab, then select selection. Now highlight the area you want to save.
This will save as a png file. I use my photo program and convert to jpg. and also add any notes I want.
You can travel all over The US with out leaving your home.
I hope people will play with this and find it helpful.
