Lee Mitchell, owner of G.A.I.A. Professionals, a successful GIS technology firm, lived on the waterfront line of the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster. “While the NOAA map helped me monitor the spill and official response, the social maps were by far the most helpful because that is where I could find people with experiences like mine that weren’t nearly being addressed through any official means,” says Mitchell. Mitchell says the feelings of confusion and powerlessness can be nearly overwhelming in a disaster situation and the ability to connect with others and share experiences so that you don’t feel so alone is very important. “I found social media maps to be a great help in making those connections in times of disaster,” adds Mitchell. Read More
