With Google Earth providing sea floor terrain, and with the boat modeling being done, I wonder how long before someone undertakes true marine simulation.  There are train simulators after all.  Once the hydrolics are understood and programming begun we might wind up with working locks for the Panama Canal.  I can imagine some will design underwater outposts, cities even.  Think of the CSS possibilities.

Thanks for that.  It is sort of what I had in mind, however I'd like to see it carried farther, seriously including undersea terrain and underwater/above water interaction.  Get Clive Cussler's NUMA involved and provide wreck locations for simulated salvage.  Sure some would want to blow up things, but we are at peace (theoretically).  Of course there could be "war games."  Also about the only area open for "scenery building" would likely be limited to the continental shelves.  Still I'd like to see locks working for ships.  It's just a though.  I fully expect a truly digital globe, eventually. 

Best wishes...

I'm off to build a fantasy island.