With the recent development of a giant hurricane headed towards the US Mid-Atlantic coast, Google has put together a Hurricane Sandy Crisis Map that predicts where the storm is headed.
Not only is this predicted to be an intense storm -- one that the mid-Atlantic coast hasn't seen in years -- but it is expected to bring life-threatening floods to a lot of major cities. Google's crisis map for hurricane Sandy has a number of informative features for the incoming storm.
On the site you can view the storm's current location, the three-day forecast cone, detailed cloud imagery, traffic conditions and even webcams and YouTube videos of the storm from various locations.
With all the technology we have nowadays, it is a true blessing that we can now prepare ourselves during states of emergency.
Storm-Locating Maps
The Hurricane Sandy Crisis Map Helps to Prepare for This Natural Disaster
Trend Themes
1. Emergency Preparedness Maps - The development of maps to track natural disasters is an opportunity for companies to create mapping software that can help people prepare for emergencies and natural disasters.
2. Real-time Disaster Response Maps - Creating real-time disaster response maps can help cities and municipalities create better evacuation plans, distribute resources efficiently, and ensure public safety during natural disasters.
3. Data-driven Disaster Relief Maps - Using data to map out disaster relief efforts can help organizations and government agencies respond effectively during natural disasters and allocate resources where they are needed most.
Industry Implications
1. Geospatial Information Systems - GIS companies can provide improved mapping technology and software for emergency preparedness maps to help people during natural disasters and emergencies.
2. Emergency Management and Response Services - Emergency response companies can use real-time disaster response maps to improve evacuation planning, resource distribution, and managing public safety during natural disasters.
3. Ngos and Government Agencies - Non-governmental organizations and government agencies can use data-driven disaster relief maps to allocate resources and provide aid where it is most needed during natural disasters.