Google offers view of destruction

Google Maps has added new satellite images of New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina.

Google Maps product manager Bret Taylor wrote on the Google Blog:

"Enter "New Orleans" in the search field at the top of the page, or drag and zoom the map to the area. A red "Katrina" button will appear at the top right of the map, next to the existing map buttons.

"Older images for the area are still available too - click the "Satellite" button to switch to those.

"[Programmers] can also access this new imagery, which should aid the development of hurricane relief sites."

US newspapers say people are using the technology to see whether they can return to their homes.