To see for yourself what we are talking about, load this KML file in Google Earth. It should switch to historical imagery, change the date to November 1st, 2002 and centre the view over Europe.

The powers-that-be would like the public to be able to download a KMZ file so users can open it with their copy of Google Earth rather than using the plug-in. Problem: our CMS cannot host KMZ/KML ...

With global coverage combining satellite, aerial, 3D, and Street View images, Google Earth provides access to a wealth of knowledge without leaving the office.

For more info, you can fly to L’Aquila in Google Earth using this KML file, visit the L’Aquila 3D site or get more info from this post in the SketchUp Blog.