23 October 2007

SoCal Wildfire Map


As the fires increase in size I wish there is something I can do to help. While I am unable to provide direct support to those fleeing the flames I'm still hoping to contribute something.

After a frustrating search for resources showing where the fire has burned and is burning I decided to make my own map with the help from Google Maps.

Here is the result:

Southern California Wildfire Map

It is a work in progress but I wanted to get it out as soon as possible to maybe help cut through the confusion that is certainly gripping the hundreds of thousands evacuated. PLEASE READ THE NOTES AT THE BOTTOM! There I describe exactly what the data shown on the map actually represents.

The fire data comes from http://activefiremaps.fs.fed.us/

KPBS.org in San Diego does have a really great Google Map but it only covers the SD area.

Please give me any suggestions for improving the map in the comments section.

My heart goes out to the evacuees, firefighters, and police officers as they work through this unimaginably difficult time.

2 comments:

Hamish'sMom said...

Thanks so much for this map! I, too, became frustrated with the generality of the maps on the major news sites because I wanted to know where the fires were in relation to several friends I have living in the area. Your map is a big help! I have a question about the balloons that open when I click on a red area. All I can see is a number and an exit button in side the balloon. What does the number mean, and is there supposed to be other information inside the balloon? Thanks, again.

Jon M. said...

hamish's mom:

The balloons mean nothing, really. The number is that point's place in sequence for that date and time. I've yet to figure out how to get the balloons to stop popping up actually. Glad the map could be of assistance.

-Jon

Free Hit Counter
Free Hit Counter