Google Acquires Satellite Map Company

In a deal that could give a boost to local search marketing, Google has acquired Keyhole Corp., which sells online satellite maps.

Keyhole offers users aerial photographs of specific addresses, and also allows them to search for nearby conveniences, such as bank teller machines or hotels. Unlike every other Google offering to date, Keyhole is a paid-only service that currently costs consumers $29.95 a year–down from the pre-deal fee of $69.95 a year.