Google has brought technology and geography together in an application where you can zoom in on anywhere in the world at the click of a mouse.

In addition to displaying the cities and places that you choose to see, Google Earth can allow you to view specific restaurants, hospitals, libraries and schools, including driving directions and specific maps.

You can zoom in to pinpoint your desired destination in 3D graphics.

Google Earth is available as a free download, but it is not compatible with all systems, namely Windows PCs older than four years and notebook PCs older than two years.

This new v5 now enables you to monitor earth changes, such as a timeline of building work in your local area.

The Windows version available to download here. Mac OS X and Linux editions available at the Google website.