Google has added the capability to get satellite photos of an area. You can access this feature here:

http://maps.google.com

Once you put in an address, click on satellite in the upper right.

The maps will show a neighborhood but won't let you zoom down that much. The new MLS system the Central Coast just got TODAY(!) also has a satellite map function and will allow agents to zoom in closer than the google maps do.

These maps are helpful to look at a neighborhood to see things like if anyone has a swimming pool, how close together the homes are, etc.