en Passant

Today on CNET, I read an article about what they are dubbing "Google Earth Killer". Google Earth is a viewer to see the USGS satelite photography in a nice handy display. Google's viewer allows you to see some objects 3 dimensionally (building in downtown San Francisco, several large mountains, etc.).

Microsoft has come out with a similar viewer taking it a step further. Their viewer incorporates with the their traffic and mapping software. The 3d models have texture. Plus they provide an add-in so that you can use the maps in Office tools.

My interest was drawn to the tops of these 3D models. Several of them had small signs on top, that Microsoft had artifically placed up there. I zoomed in and the sign had a link to display all the restuarants on the map. OK, cool! Now, I'd like to take this a bit further. How about I sell my roof out as advertising space. USGS scans my area about once every 4 years and looking at the Google Maps, my area is DUE! My backyard looks so 2003. I am thinking a flat rate, 50 letters could easily written across the top of my house. Good for a short slogan and a short URL.

Any takers?