If virtual tours are the best way of getting some sense of a destination, then 3DVegas is probably one of the better examples kicking about on the web.
3DVegas is the latest product from Hawaii-based 3DTravel.com, a destination portal software company which specialises in enhancing Google Earth to feature reams of detail and information about a particular location.
In the Las Vegas version released this week, users can do the usual Google Map manoeuvres around the city but 3DTravel has rendered every hotel into the system.
So, for example, a user can check locations of restaurants, bars, casinos, shopping centres and shows in relation to accommodation and the airport.
The map has Book Now buttons for each of the hotels and many of the attractions in the city, taking users to the search and booking pages of the supplier website. Show reviews are also included, which is quite a nice touch given the range of attractions on offer across the city's venues.
But clearly the best way to see what else it can do is have a play with it or watch this clip:
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KRrSr79nBU
Back in May this year, ex-Expedia and Google engineer Paul Onnen moved to oversee technology at Team Vision Virtual, just before the company changed its name to 3DTravel.