# Computer Simulations for Disaster Relief Google Earth Pro To Help Save Lives and Plan Evacuations By Doug Gordon | Published 2009-02-23 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/video-games-using-video-games-for-disaster-relief References: [wired](http://www.wired.com/software/coolapps/news/2009/02/disaster_modeling) Now we can finally tell everyone that all those years spent playing video games were not wasted. Thanks to [disaster simulations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/documenting-for-disaster) designed by various video game companies, over 15,000 lost animals were saved in the aftermath of Katrina. [FEMA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/e61) and other relief agencies made great use of [Google](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/android-emergency-live-video) Earth Pro to help map evacuation routes. These type of computer simulations are believed to have the potential to save thousands of lives in future disaster situations. This is a use for video games that any parent should be able to appreciate. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 9% | Activity: 73% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Computer Simulations for Disaster Relief:** The use of computer simulations for disaster relief and emergency response creates opportunities for innovation in gaming and simulation technology. - **Mapping Evacuation Routes with Google Earth Pro:** The usage of Google Earth Pro and other mapping tools for disaster response creates opportunities for innovations in geolocation and mapping technology. - **Training and Preparedness Through Video Games:** The use of video games for training and preparedness creates opportunities to innovate in educational gaming technology and create more realistic simulations. ### Where This Applies - **Gaming and Simulation Technology:** The gaming and simulation technology industry can leverage the potential for their technology in disaster relief simulations to increase sales and further advance this adoption. - **Geolocation and Mapping Technology:** The geolocation and mapping technology industry can explore opportunities to further develop their technology for disaster response and emergency evacuation. - **Educational Gaming Technology:** The educational gaming technology industry can use the potential of their technology in disaster response training and preparation to increase adoption and expand their offerings to the emergency response sector. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cybersecurity Simulation Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-city-defender.md) - [Gamer-Targeted Donor Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-donors.md) - [Photorealistic Simulaton Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inzoi.md) - [Gamified Animal Aids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/catswe.md) - [Personalized Emergency Response Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/personalized-emergency-response-app.md) - [Wildlife Awareness Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/animal-cards.md) - [Do-Good Metaverse Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/comic-relief-us-and-nickelodeon.md) - [Cognitive Virtual Reality Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/epeli.md) - [Global Location Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/earthguessr.md)