The Queensland emergency map contains real-time information about the storm’s path, emergency alerts issued, requests for assistance, evacuation centre locations, traffic conditions and wind speeds.
Real-time social media feeds, with geo-located Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and Flickr updates, also provide an eye-witness account of what’s unfolding in affected areas.
Smart mapping giant Esri Australia developed the map which contains authoritative data from agencies such as the Bureau of Meteorology, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Transport and Main Roads, and Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Mark Wallace, public safety expert at Esri Australia, said the map would help members of the public stay informed and share information.
“This is an important information source that provides a snapshot of the current status of the situation – from the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Marcia, to the continuing storms in the south east corner,” said Mr Wallace.
“Whether it’s accessing the latest requests for assistance, or viewing pictures from affected areas – this interactive and user-friendly map will help people quickly grasp what the situation is in their communities.
“We are urging people to contribute to the map through social media, to provide their own eye-witness accounts of the situation as it unfolds.”
Members of the public can add their own updates to the map by enabling location services on their social media accounts and smartphone and using cyclone-related hashtags such as #TCMarcia.
The Tropical Cyclone Map can be accessed here: http://arcg.is/19EXN6o
