Users of the most up-to-date version of Google Earth can now go back in time and see ancient maps of various different areas and regions.
Rumsey Historical Maps have been added to the free virtual atlas program. The maps can be laid over their location on Earth so you can see both layers, one on top of the other.
The maps show more detail the closer you zoom in on them and are full of historical titbits of information. They give clues to not only the development and growth of cities and towns but to the progression of cartography throughout the ages.
To see the new content in Google Earth you'll need to download and run the latest beta ? version 4 ? then go to the Layers pane in the bottom left hand corner of the screen and find the Featured Content bookmark. Click on this and you'll be able to choose between a World Globe from 1790, a map of London in 1843, Tokyo in 1680 and Asia in 1710, to name but a few.
http://earth.google.com