KPBS+Fire+Map

KPBS San Diego Fire Google Map


Southern California radio station KPBS created a custom Google Map system in order to help local residents keep track of and cope with the fires threatening the region. Utilizing the Google Maps API, they've added icons and information for fire location, which residents should evacuate, where to evacuate to, health advisories in certain areas (like smoke warnings), and numerous other types of information. The map is frequently updated and serves as a great example of how people can utilize an existing service like Google Maps in a new way.


 * Uses an existing and well known technology to fulfill a current need.
 * Features layers of different information presented legibly.
 * Large, familiar icons help visualize data quickly and reliably.