Google Street View

Here's an interesting twist for map based search. Google has added street level photos to it's maps. Compared to the Live maps birds eye view, it's much easier to follow the road.

Icons take you forward or backward, yet you can also pan left and right, as if you were looking out the window of a car. Below is the hotel at Cascade Locks. (There seem to be some glitches - if there's a white area below and no picture - click the 'view larger map' link)

View Larger Map

However, it may be too good - there's a chance of it being banned in the UK due to privacy concerns.