Sometimes our responses to technology are tragically short-sighted. Exhibit A? This article from The Times Online
An Indian Court has been called to ban Google Earth amid suggestions the online satellite imaging was used to help plan the terror attacks that killed more than 170 people in Mumbai last month. A petition entered at the Bombay High Court alleges that the Google Earth service, "aids terrorists in plotting attacks". Advocate Amit Karkhanis has urged the court to direct Google to blur images of sensitive areas in the country until the case is decided.
Now why do they want to ban it? Because it's not safe to have this information in the hands of the public, or so we're told. But of course, banning it is a bit like banning aeroplanes after 9-11 and likely to have just as many damaging effects. The trick, of course, isn't to ban the technology that the terrorists use, but to use it for purposes that save, rather than destroy. Which brings us to exhibit B: mashups that are saving lives. Take the case of this fire chief who is saving lives using the power of Twitter. Seriously.
Rebooting the Firefighting Arsenal Twitter Humphrey monitors for keywords like "LA" and "fire." During 2007's 800-acre burn in Griffith Park, he got real-time reports on flare-ups and wind directions from Twitterers on the ground, then relayed the information to commanders battling the flames. This data-aggregation app lets Humphrey keep tabs on crises elsewhere. (In September, he knew about a poison gas scare in the Toronto subway as it happened.) Implication: If terrorists launch a multicity attack, he'll know in seconds. A head start could save countless lives. Mobile Alerts One of Humphrey's projects-in-progress is a Web site where users can plug in addresses—like home and the kids' school. Whenever an incident is reported at any of those sites, the system will beam a notification to the subscriber's cell phone or PDA. Map Mashups The LAFD already charts major fires with Google Maps. Humphrey wants more: images that blend street and satellite views with USGS topo data to supply firefighters with critical info, like the location of steep terrain or other hazards (dynamite factory, two blocks north!).
The potential for mashups are literally endless as this Cato Policy forum illustrates. That is, of course, if the government puts our data online which would only make sense...
Thank you for the kind words regarding our 'LAFD Everywhere' initiative. What we lack in funding, we seek to make up for in creativity and teamwork, relying heavily on the spirited ingenuity of those we proudly serve. In our opinion, the true and omnipotent enemy to man and nature's wrath is an informed populace that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with community protectors. We are deeply devoted to making that happen.
Respectfully Yours in Safety and Service,
Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department
LAFD Blog: LAFD.ORG/BLOG
Posted by: LAFD | December 19, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Specialist Humphrey,
As a resident of Los Angeles County, I can't praise the work you and the LAFD do! I have seldom met people with more heroism and tenacity. Thanks for all that you do.
Posted by: Charles Johnson | January 08, 2009 at 04:32 AM