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You mean you want a Google Earth-like 3D view in the web-based Google Maps? If so, you're in luck: http://maps.google.com/help/maps/helloworld/desktop/preview/

In chrome when you select 'Earth' view, it gets you to install a plugin, but then it's all there.

That's the old Google Maps. In the new version no plugin is required because it uses WebGL, and Earth mode replaces satellite mode entirely.