Quo Mapping

I've mentioned different mapping software before but I thought that I'd bring Quo to your attention as it's free and could be useful when studying the UK or local area.  The main software is totally free and it includes an Ordanance Survey mini-scale map of the UK.  I have the software running at the moment (mainly for my own personal use) but I can see potential uses in the primary and secondary classroom.

Google Earth still has many advantages (especially when looking on a world wide scale) but the speed and ability to purchase specific locations in detail, such as the 40km x 40km location with your school in or comparative location could be very useful.  Even without purcahsing any maps being able to plan routes, measure distances and add pictures and text to the maps could help children identify locations with in the UK.

Link: http://www.mapyx.com/

Edit:  Just read a post on the Google site saying they have purchased Endoxon, an Internet mapping solutions company based in Lucerne, Switzerland.  The post continues by saying that they hope that by having a dedicated team in Europe they can bring a distinctively European focus to their Maps.  Updated aerial photographs maybe?