When will it end?
In an effort to out pace Yahoo! Maps, Google has now implemented integration of satellite imagery with Google Maps. Users can now switch between the traditional map view and the satellite view. So now not only can you use Google Maps to see how to get to a location, you can see what the landmarks are and what the building looks like.
Six months ago, they bought Keyhole Corp, a company that specialised in satellite imagery. That was quick.