--- Frank Thomas <news.ftr@free.fr> wrote:
Paul DiPerna wrote:
I came across a Technology Review article this morning which might interest some folks here who look at the intersection of ICTs and public policy.
"Type 911.gov: Two scientists think that social networks can improve disaster relief"
https://www.technologyreview.com/Infotech/18196/
Here is another backgrounder I found on BBC's site- http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6364301.stm
I definitely like the intent behind this kind of initiative. Unfortunately the devil is always in the details when such a great idea enters a political process, and then actual implementation.
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Also worth bearing in mind that many - including the emergency services in New Orleans - were wholyy overdependent and reliant on mobile wireless. And seemingly suprised that when the power went (base stations and towers were surrounded by or even under water, electricity network shorted out, isolated, or cut), that their radios, cellphones, satellite phones, etc also stopped working (even before their batteries ran down). D. Dominic Pinto BA MIEEE MCMI MRi FRSA http://www.ecademy.com/user/dominicpinto e-m: dominic.pinto@ieee.org M: +44 780 302-8268 Ph: +44 207 379-8341 In the U.S. M/Cell: +1 215 667-3001