Google Maps on fire!
As an aspiring Geographer and someone with a technology hobby, one might expect me to be interested in tools like Google Maps. It differs from cousin Mapquest in its openness to be used for mashups--overlays of information that can range from social networking (reviews of area bars) to one current use, fire safety. I've been following the San Diego fires closely, since my mom and most of her family live in Escondido, at the northern edge of one of the fires. But it's been hard finding exact information on where the fires are actually burning. Enter Google Maps. One click and I can see updates on evacuations and representations of danger areas. Right now, it looks like everyone's in the clear. Let's hope things settle down...