Maybe a little off, but if you allow users to set a dummy type like:

   mapTypeId: google.maps.MapTypeId.TERRAINx

The back ground image is set to nothing and there will be much less traffic.  I am not sure how useful it is, but you will still be able to see the overlays.  This is sort-of the opposite of F8.

Al,

Hi,

(...all regular apologies if already covered...) 

As I move from one release to the next I have been rebuilding the fs9 database each time.  Is this necessary or can I just copy some previous db over (and what files would I copy).

Secondary question:  Is there any thought to including a database that is updated frequently avoiding the database rebuild entirely.  I know I am probably missing some good stuff from FSX for example. 

Many thanks,

Al,