A study led by scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has shown smartphones and other personal electronic devices could be used as early warning systems for large earthquakes.
This technology would be especially useful for regions that cannot afford the high prices of conventional early warning systems. Despite being less accurate than scientific-grade equipment, the GPS (Global Positioning System) receivers in a smartphone can detect the permanent ground movement caused by fault motion in a large earthquake, according to USGS.
UN-SPIDER highlights the growing importance and value of crowdsource mapping for disaster and disaster-risk management in an article for Imaging Notes Magazine, a publication that targets remote sensing professionals. The 2012 Issue of Imaging Notes Magazine is dedicated to urgent, interrelated issues of Earth remote sensing for security, energy and the environment.
Second UN-SPIDER International Expert Meeting: Crowdsource Mapping for Preparedness and Emergency Response which took place in Geneva, Switzerland on 16 November 2011
UN-SPIDER conducted a Technical Advisory Mission to the Dominican Republic
UN-SPIDER’s RSO in the Islamic Republic of Iran supports APSCO Training Course
UN-SPIDER participated in SAFER EUAC meeting and final SAFER User Conference