Using Google Maps to Track TN Tornado Damage

Posted on February 7th, 2008 by Neill Jobe

Google MapsI found this link for a Google Map by the user-name of “Jared” (no Google profile yet created). It seems as though Jared is keeping track of last Tuesday night’s tornado destruction, American Red Cross shelters, deaths, News Stories, etc. on his Google “My Maps”. I am unsure at this point if ”Jared” is keeping this map up-to-date as more and more information comes in. Keep checking throughout the day to see if the map is being updated. This is a great example of how easily the Google maps interface can be used to quickly generate geospatial information as it is needed and get it out to the public. If you are out there “Jared” show yourself. I think you are the only one out there with a user generated map of the tornado damage so far.  You can visit Jared’s Google Maps Site by CLICKING HERE.


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Filed under: Google, Google Maps, Maps

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6 Responses to “Using Google Maps to Track TN Tornado Damage”

  1. Alex Rodriguez, on February 7th, 2008 at 2:25 pm Said:

    Excellent use of GIS tools and data.
    Nice work Jared.

  2. Mike from Cookeville, TN, on February 7th, 2008 at 8:35 pm Said:

    As someone who has relatives in Macon County, TN…thank you for putting this together! AWESOME!

    http://www.cookevilleweatherguy.com

  3. Neill Jobe, on February 7th, 2008 at 9:27 pm Said:

    Thanks Mike. All I did was report this one. Somewhere out there is a guy named “Jared” lurking around in the cyber world creating really nice google maps. I have commented on his Google My Maps page but have yet to get a response. He did all the work and continues to update it. Good Job again Jared, Holler at me.

  4. Dave Sartor, on February 8th, 2008 at 11:31 am Said:

    Great! Now - how do I turn off the layers? All I want is the Streets and Tornado Path!

  5. Neill Jobe, on February 8th, 2008 at 2:18 pm Said:

    I am not so sure that you can turn on/off layers within the Google My Maps interface. Although, Jared did make most of the custom graphics transparent enough that when you zoom in close you can still see streets, aerials, etc. with pretty good detail.

  6. Bob, on February 14th, 2008 at 6:26 am Said:

    WOW! COOL! We actually flew the damaged areas for our customers….zero cost to them….

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