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A quake victim is comforted at a welfare centre in Christchurch - Source: ONE News -
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A Google Map has been created to help earthquake affected people in Canterbury find out what services and shops are open, and what roads and bridges are closed.
Anyone can add information to the map, and it is continuously being updated.
The Google Map, had more than 30,000 visitors on Wednesday alone, and contains around 150 points of interest.
Map creator, David Knight, says although he lives in Wellington, he was motivated to find some way of assisting the quake victims.
He said was aware this type of technology was used extensively during other international crises, such as the Haitian earthquake and Australia's Victorian bushfires, so he thought he'd kick start one for Canterbury.
"The great thing about this map is that everyone with internet access can view it and contribute to it," said Knight.
"It's a resource for people who live in Canterbury, but these same people can actually add content. In fact, it's the locals who have the most accurate, up-to-date information, so there is no one else better placed to do it.
"Anything from points of interest, to movies and photos can be added," he said.
"For example, the map currently shows where police the cordon is, where people can find port-a-loos, welfare centres, free wi-fi hot spots and food retailers - but anything can be added and it's easy to do."
If locals see something and think their neighbours, family or friends need to know about it - they can go to mapquake , use their Google user name to sign in, select 'edit', click on the blue pin point at the top of the map and place it where their point of interest is."
Knight said this is a "crowdsource" initiative, which means making the most of the best source of real time information directly from the crowd on the ground.
"While the councils' are doing a great job, they are stretched to maximum capacity at the moment and can't possibly capture and publish every piece of information. But with this Google Map -everyone can contribute."
He said local businesses, who are operating, can let their customers know they are up and running and open for business.
"This is a difficult time for many people, but mapping information is one small way we can all make a big difference."
How do you rate the Civil Defence response to the quake? Share your views and experience of the quake on our messageboard below.
Add a Comment:
Post new commentmusopete said on 2010-09-10 @ 12:47 NZDT: Report abusive post
Go the Kiwi battler! Hold ya heads high.
Australianne said on 2010-09-10 @ 11:40 NZDT: Report abusive post
2nd that about the light font...it is difficult to read. Just wanted to say I'm so proud of NZers for the way in which they've pulled together in such a uniquely Kiwi way. No other country (even Australia) comes close to that! Well, maybe Australia comes close, but still, Kiwis lead the world in their kind-hearted attitude in the face of disaster.
H said on 2010-09-10 @ 10:24 NZDT: Report abusive post
Would love to comment but the comments are displayed on this website in such a tiny, light coloured font that they're virtually unreadable.
SSAMA said on 2010-09-10 @ 07:38 NZDT: Report abusive post
CD has done a great job in difficult circumstances - difficult to get up to date info to people without power. Website I have found most useful for info is the TVNZ live updates - great that it is updated regularly and the info is generally accurate. Well done TVNZ
Australianne said on 2010-09-09 @ 20:31 NZDT: Report abusive post
Given that TVNZ is probably a world leader in their ability to keep us all informed after the earthquake, CD has done an ok job. But note, that is 'ok', not 'wonderful'. CD should link up with TVNZ and learn how to get that info out in a timely manner! This is more a pat on the back to TVNZ than having a go at CD. I'm sure they have lots of other duties keeping them busy. Keep it up guys. Well done.