Google Maps Hybrid

So this editor just got back from a multi-day camping trip and logged into Google maps to check out some satellite photos of the area I had come from.  I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Google has managed to improve yet again on their Google maps application by introducing a third option to their map views: Hybrid. The new hybrid view combines a modified satellite image, with the street names transparently laid over the picture. It looks like they used the same technique to put the names and streets on as they use to plot a route in the directions feature -separating the information overlay as a transparent PNG layer is a great technical solution for problems like this. This was a great answer to both the new MSN Virtual Earth application’s similar feature. For a visual person this is an ideal form of map - not only does it let you see the location you are going to, but it shows you what the buildings in the area look like!