Journal 12, November 15th

http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-10398073-245.html?tag=newsLeadStoriesArea.1

Recently a number of technologists from prominent organizations and businesses such as NASA, Google, Microsoft, the World Bank, and others met at the first Random Hacks of Kindness event to discuss and present new technologies that could be used in case of disaster. Coders from the various attendees worked for two days on developing ways that technology could be used to help solve real-world problems especially when traditional methods of communication and response are rendered unavailable. The participants worked on a number of tools that took advantage of technologies such as social networking sites like Twitter and apps for mobile devices for easily sharing information that could not be communicated otherwise. Other projects included utilizing digital maps in order to help locate those in need of aid. First place went to a team mainly formed of people from NASA that created an app that would notify a designated group of people to tell them the user was safe with a single button. Previously NASA coders have created a tool that could be used to take pictures in order to inform authorities of the status of each area affected by disaster such as the location of wildfires. NASA has also stated that it would like to share data obtained from various satellites and other data collecting tools. Officials hope that experts will be able to put these resources to good use by designing programs and applications that could be put to good use in case of emergency. The organizers of the Random Hacks of Kindness event will be the start of a technological community focused on bigger picture problems that affect everyone. The next event will take place just next year in Washington DC.

This event is an excellent example of what the field of technology can offer the people of the world especially when rivals of industry work together in order to help make sure the world is prepared for what ever disaster it may face. With the use of technology the world can become a much safer place where people can be equipped to handle any situation that might occur. This gathering of technology professionals is a great start to a community that can help make this world a safer place for al that live in it.

Reference:
http://radar.oreilly.com/2009/10/random-hacks-of-kindness-disas.html