FOR curious residents who want to see their neighbourhood from a different perspective, Microsoft supremo Bill Gates has provided a helping hand. The website Live Search Maps has photographed every inch of London for its new Bird's Eye

By Ben McPartland

FOR curious residents who want to see their neighbourhood from a different perspective, Microsoft supremo Bill Gates has provided a helping hand.

The website Live Search Maps has photographed every inch of London for its new Bird's Eye View feature.

Rivalling the already established site Google Earth, Bird's Eye View is like a giant step ladder allowing viewers to climb way above London's skyline and peer into its hidden corners.

A spokesman for the programme said: "This should appeal to the nosey neighbours who want to check out what next door are up to. And people visiting London can also see some of the capital's finest landmarks before they visit. It might also appeal to house buyers who want to see how much space their future garden will have. You can fly over London from your desk."

Anyone interested in the new secondary school planned for Swiss Cottage can examine the Adelaide Road site and campaigners can also get a good look at the proposed King's Cross development.

It may even take the place of the traditional A to Z.

The images were captured by four cameras on an aircraft which flew over the city taking photographs from every angle.

The pictures, which were taken about a month ago at around 3,000 feet, were then scanned and put on the internet.

Londoners are the first residents in the UK who can explore their city in such a way.

Stuart Anderson, Live Search marketing manager, said "Local search is one of the fastest-growing categories online today, and adding features like Bird's Eye View will only help move the category further ahead and help Windows Live attract more customers."

To access Bird's Eye View visit http://maps.live.com

ben.mcpartland@hamhigh.co.uk