A Walk in the Clouds...

...or more specifically, a view from outer space!!!

        While exploring the various services that Google has to offer, I stumbled upon Google Maps, a service of Google that features an extensive map database of USA complete with zoomed-in, up close satellite imagery.  Just type any US address in the search box and Google Maps will search for that address with pinpoint accuracy and display a map of that place... you can click on the "satellite" button and you can actually see the rooftop of the house (or building) that you are looking for.

        Hmmm, have they mapped the Philippines also?  There's only one way to find out...  Zoom out the map to view the entire world, click on the tiny speck of islands at the left side of the Pacific Ocean to center it, and then zoom in to view the entire Philippines.

        Unfortunately, a large portion of the Philippines is still in low-resolution imagery.  Only a small portion of Cavite, Bulacan and Pampanga have been photographed in detail but the satellite photos seem a bit dated.

        Here are a few interesting high-resolution images...  you can actually see some cars along the highway!

1. Petron Gasoline Station in North Expressway


2. Shell Gasoline Station in North Expressway


3. Angeles Exit, North Expressway (interchange is still under construction)


4. Dau Exit, North Expressway (flyover is still under construction)


5. Sta. Ines Exit, North Expressway (the north endpoint of the expressway)


6. Bamban Bridge in the "Lahar" River


7. Bamban Bridge 2 (the suspension-type bridge - you can see its white supporting beams)


8. Clark Centennial Expo (beside the lahar river)


9. Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (can you see the airplane?)

        Sadly, Metro Manila is still in low resolution imagery.  But even then, you can see how "un-green" Metro Manila is with its apparent lack of vegetation compared to the surrounding countrtyside.

        Baguio City, true to its idyllic nature, is shrouded in clouds.  Tsk, sayang!

        But how about this image map of a riverbed in South Africa?  Can you see the image of a man's face?  =)

        Happy exploring!