Whatever you are thinking of writing, location is important. I always consider location to be time and place, and even consideration such as time of day and season can make a huge difference. My books are set in and around Cambridge, and in order to give each book its setting, I look for a location that fits with the characters and plot that I am working on.
Google Earth is great for taking a first look at a location, and sometimes that may be the only option you have, especially if you are setting a scene in another country… However nothing beats a visit.
One example I have of this are the seats located around Cambridge’s Parkers Piece. They are located at various points around the edge of the park, but it was only a visit that allowed me to notice that the one closest to the police station was different to the rest. Around that particular bench the grass is worn thin, and there are cigarette ends and beer bottle tops scattered on the ground. This is the bench where people wait for friends outside the police station especially when they don’t want to go in.
Finding a gem of information like that can add realism and texture to a scene.
My recommendation is to walk around an area until you find a spot that can bring your story to life, visit it at the right time of day and the right time of year if you can and then absorb every little detail. Take photos. Make notes of the sounds and the smells and the way the light falls. Look at the type of people who frequent the area and consider how your character fits into the picture. Take even more photos, scribble random notes… Then go home and write!
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