Geospatial information is more than just a handheld GPS receiver used to navigate personal travel. Geospatial intelligence helps with homeland security. Digital maps can unite people across the world and even save lives. After last January’s earthquake in Haiti, geographic information systems (GIS) helped first responders map cities, locate survivors and distribute aid. Penn State Public Broadcasting’s four-part online video series, The Geospatial Revolution Project, tells how geospatial information transforms lives. The first of the series’ episodes is available now and focuses on how geospatial technology aided first responders during the Haitian earthquake relief efforts. Geospatial technology was critical in providing first responders with the information they needed to help the victims. Ushahidi, an open source platform that uses crowdsourcing in crisis mapping, allowed anyone to share information from the disaster zone in Haiti with exact coordinates. Ushahidi staff and volunteers used that information to create up-to-date maps of the affected area. Read More
