David Smith recently posted an article demonstrating several prototype research methods available on the Internet.
Many of us know about Google Maps, and the Street View feature.
Bird's eye view of Akihabara Station
I had no idea about Microsoft’s Live Maps Bird’s Eye View feature, however: Satellite imagery taken at an oblique angle (rather than straight down) that can reveal a lot of interesting architectural detail.
Granted, the view of Akihabara Station (at least, the bits I’m interested in) is somewhat occluded by a skyscraper. But the view of the station flyover is unobstructed, and very useful.