Software
Google brings search and map emergency alert tools to Northern California as fires rage
The raging wild-fires in northern California have been driven through lightning and massive heatwaves. Ultimately, 11000 lighting strikes caused hundreds of blazes over 72 hours, of which 26, according to officials, were classified as major fires. The fires have reached approximately 124,000 acres, which threaten some 25,000 structures.
Google has launched a new tool this week to provide information to the affected areas that is easily accessible. The company has begun to provide information pertaining to a particular area through Search and Maps.
Image Credits: Google
The core of this is a digital polygon – a red border that surrounds the active flames roughly. The object is drawn by using data collected by the GOES system of NOAA. There is a complete Medium post from the team which describes how the information is collected and processed if you want to read it. It's very technical and interesting.
As a consumer, all you need to know is that the information is submitted to you via Google Search. When you search for a location at and near Maps in the affected area, a floating notification will also appear.
Google will also offer an SOS alarm that offers relevant news articles and local emergency services resources, in addition to the name and location of the fire.
This information is a follow-up to a pilot program that founded Colorado's Emergency Management Office with first responders such as the Governor's eCal OES Office (e.g. e California Emergency Services Office) and Boulder to gather the most relevant emergency information.
