REVEALED: Google Maps' Secret Super Zoom

Google Maps enthusiasts have uncovered the no-longer-secret existence of a super ZOOM MODE that reveals EXTREME CLOSEUPS at apparently random spots all over the world. HERE'S HOW TO FIND THEM. These super closeups appear to be additions inserted by Google for various partners, including National Geographic. Many of the highest quality are most likely aerial photographs taken from airplanes rather than from orbiting satellites. But many more are real, high-rez satellite photos of RANDOM LOCATIONS taken as part of the regular Google Maps but unavailable without the secret technique. Other's are clearly INSERTED BY GOOGLE JUST FOR FUN.

(props to Google Blogoscoped).