From the archive, originally posted by: [ spectre ]
http://www.neatorama.com/2007/03/08/a-closer-view-of-google-maps/
“Google Maps has a hidden feature that allows anyone to zoom in
extremely close on some satellite pictures. This screenshot shows the
closest zoom available for a location in the Sahara desert. Using this
hidden feature, you can zoom in a little closer in almost any
Metropolitan area, and MUCH closer in select areas.
Here’s Google Blogoscoped’s instructions on utilizing this feature:
1. Select a location and switch to satellite view
2. Zoom in as far as you can, and click “link to this page” at the top
right
3. Now replace the “z” parameter in the URL with a higher value, e.g.
20, 22, or 23, and wait. Some locations will now show more detailed
imagery”