Satellite surveillance of Earth is a fact of life.  Intelligence agencies have been using satellite images for decades.  But, a new program called "The National Map" is being conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey.  It's focus is on detailed images of urban areas, or "knowledge needed by the Nation".  These images are free and available to everyone over the internet at the sites listed below.  There's also a variety of fee-based image sites listed below.  Interesting to note is that these are free, static (point-in-time) images.  If you are willing to pay a fee, or happen to work in the right governmental agency, you can get much higher resolution images taken nearly on demand.  (Note: We feel compelled to state categorically that none of the Ethical Atheist staff are involved in any "wrong-doing" and we do not need our activities monitored!  )

Satellite image of Compton, CA neighborhood (from TerraServer)

Satellite image of Houston, TX apartment complex (from Satellite Imaging Corp)

Satellite Images on the Web:  (There are many sites.  Only a few are listed below.)

• The National Map.- Free site run by U.S. Geological Survey.
• TerraServer - Free site run by Microsoft.
• Keyhole.com - Fee-based site offering images to 3 inch resolution.
• GlobeXplorer - Fee-based site.
• Space Imaging - Fee-based site.
• Satellite Imaging Corporation - Fee-based site offering images to 0.6 meter resolution.