have you gone to the google groups for maps? I don't get involved with the coding for our stuff. I just get to do the fun stuff like conceptualise what i want and the 2 other guys get to do the hard work
the zoom level on the map whrn you choose somewhre at the moment is set - ideally id like to be able to adjust the zoom based on how far away it is....
They are stock pictures which we bought and then adapted to fit in each section. I think they work well too, makes the site playful as well as like you say personal (ish)