Traditional media have been hopelessly outdated in their coverage. We tracked the fires using the National Weather Service’s reflectivity index, which proved far more accurate. But the enterprising folks at the L.A. Fire Department Fire Department found a better way: they’ve been issuing frequent updates using Twitter.
Google Maps mashups are being usd to provide a relatively current look at data. Some new sources, whose traditional web sites are flooded and broken, have resorted to Google Maps’ new “my maps” feature to mark the Southern California landscape with tags indicating burns and relief centers. And for homes without power, mobile handsets are making it possible for people to get details on where to go.
Read the complete story at GigaOM
Filed under: World Wise Web
