Sounds alot like a program I have been running for a while now called
world wind it is a NASA program that allows you to not only observe different terrains, but also see weather patterns.
Also if anyone is interested there is also a similar program that is used for observation of space. It allows you to zoom in on planets, stars, meteors or I think even space craft. It can be a good tool also for ametuer astronmers as it runs in real time and you can see what the your night time sky looks like. Here it is
celestia. Must add on here this program is not supported by NASA.