Taking part in the exploration of the top 100 iconic photo locations around the world via Microsoft Virtual Earth is the best shot you've got to grab the grand prize of $10,000. Microsoft and Canon are sponsoring the Top 100 Photo Contest via PCPhoto, an initiative where participants are invited to submit photos of landmark locations from around the world in order to get the chance to win a prize package worth no less than $10,000. In order to promote the contest, the two companies have created a Virtual Earth mashup dubbed "The Top 100 Iconic Photo Locations Map Room." Both Microsoft's Virtual Earth and the images associated with the context will permit the exploration of 100 unique locations around the world, albeit from different perspectives.

"Check out our Top 100 Iconic Photo Locations, or use our Microsoft Virtual Earth map to explore your own favorite photo locations in amazing detail. Whether you find your favorite subjects in distant and exotic locations or in the cultures and people nearer to home, we want to see your ultimate shots.Submit photos to the Top 100 Photo Contest for a chance to win $1,000 cash, the Canon 5D D-SLR Camera and the Microsoft Photo Workflow software package - along with publication of your winning image in PCPhoto," reads the invitation of the Top 100 Photo Contest.

According to the official rules, entries can be submitted from around the world, and the images can be taken with any digital camera, not just Canon devices. However, all entries have to be submitted by August 15, 2008, and there is a maximum of three photographs per participant. Through Microsoft Virtual Earth, participants will be able to access the Top 100 Iconic Photo Locations mashup map that will feature highlighted landmarks in accordance to geographical regions worldwide. Photographers are advised to keep "with the general theme of the Top 100 Iconic Photo Locations of the World" and to provide photographs of historical locations, landscapes and travel experiences. Still, Microsoft and Canon will not rule out personal interpretations of the themes.