Mapping technology helps cope with emergencies.

• Author: Williams, Robert H.
• Position: TECH TALK: A TIP-SHEET ON THE LATEST GADGETS - Brief article

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* An easy-to-use mapping tool, originally developed for the U.S. military, is now being used by first responders to pinpoint resources such as hospitals, transportation, water and food in regional emergencies.

The geographic tool for visualization and collaboration was developed by the Georgia Institute of Technology in conjunction with Emergency Visions of Atlanta.

The system can also track chemical and smoke plumes and assist in the selection of evacuation routes in other disasters including hurricanes, floods and fires.

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