Up to a few years ago, internet map programs offered map views that were too small to be easily used to plan trips.  That’s all changed not.   Google Maps and Microsoft’s Live Search offer full screen maps that you can slide around (your cursor turns into a small hand.   Lots of other features, too, for getting around and finding businesses.  Satellite views are included as well.   Not to say that any of these graphics compares (yet) with Google Earth.

Even Mapquest is now offering a larger map view (though is not full screen).  No more cartological claustrophobia.