The Past and Future of Crisis Mapping
Patrick Philippe Meier has a comprehensive overview of crisis mapping, where crowdsourced data, primarily submitted by GPS-enabled cell phones ("Mobile Crisis Mapping"), has the ability to rewrite how our communities engage and respond during times of crisis.
Patrick was at the forefront of the conception of these ideas, but it wasn't until technology began to catch up that we've begun to see real-world implementation.
He has three "wishes" for the direction of crisis mapping:
First wish: we need to think of maps not simply as dynamic tools for
improving situational awareness but also as communication tools.
Second wish: RSS feeds need to be an integral part of mapping platforms, much like they are for Google Reader.
Third wish: this has to do with data security and connectivity. In terms of security, Mobile Crisis Mapping (MCM) platforms should integrate encrypted SMS and email communication.
Second wish: RSS feeds need to be an integral part of mapping platforms, much like they are for Google Reader.
Third wish: this has to do with data security and connectivity. In terms of security, Mobile Crisis Mapping (MCM) platforms should integrate encrypted SMS and email communication.
Very good read and nice overview for those unfamiliar with the subject.
