Depending on how you look at it, software on your personal computer can be quite helpful while searching for new places. But more in the sense of aerial imaging.
Google Earth - I'm sure I'm not the only one here using it for surveying an area before traveling there. I like having the option to setup tabs for places I want to look into in the future as well as multiple other settings.
[urlhttp://www.google.com/earth/index.html][/url]
Bing Maps - Although for the most part web-based, the "Birdseye View" option fills me in on what GE leaves out. Having the ability to see the area from several different perspectives is very handy if I can't see fences and such from a top down view.
http://www.bing.com/maps/?FORM=Z9LH9 (http://www.bing.com/maps/?FORM=Z9LH9)
Garmin Waypoint Manager - I was given a Garmin Etrax GPS device a while back and find it pretty handy. The "Waypoint Manager" is pretty clunky over all but having the option to upload spots from GE to the device is really handy if I get lost on the way. Overall, I don't use it very often. It is nice if your looking for a building in dense woods and just happen to get lost. Don't buy the updated maps unless you want to waste your money.
https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=8707 (https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?cID=145&pID=8707)
Do you have any suggestions or methods of research?
i use the google earth to Garmin waypoin manager method myself