Hazard map : real time hazard mapping using social media

During the weekend of the 21 April 2012, a number of enthusiastic software developers and geographic information enthusiasts from around the globe gave up their time to participate in a ‘codeathon’. The International Space Apps challenge, an initiative of the Open Government Partnership, is a two day technology development event similar to “Random hacks of kindness” where citizens around the globe work together to solve current critical challenges for society. One of the challenges submitted for the weekend was called Hazard Map which asked participants to develop a ‘map’lication’ alerting staff working within a hazard centre environment to the impacts of natural hazards by using data harvested from social media sites such as Twitter or Facebook. This paper and presentation presents the results of the International Space Apps Hazard Map challenge, highlighting the potential usefulness of OpenStreet Map and the OpenLayers Heatmap to those involved in civil contingency planning and response.