Google Maps has recently introduced 45° images for some areas. As far as I know they have only been provided for some large cities, but it would be interesting if they expanded the program to include, OK, I’ll say it, everywhere… the entire land mass of the Earth. That’s not asking for too much, is it?
The 45° images provide an oblique view, rather than a straight overhead perspective, and enable more of a 3-dimensional effect. They are especially effective in cities that have tall structures, such as Graz, Austria.
Many of you will recognize the facility in the image below, well known to many wildland firefighters. Click on it to see a larger version. HERE is a link to the location on Google Maps.