Remote Sensing the US Presidential Inauguration

Images from space are fun as well - see/download a copy of the shot from space of what CNN called "The Moment" - the Inauguration of US President Barack Obama: 0.5m resolution GeoEye-1 imagery (270KB JPEG). A better resolution JPEG is also available. Photo courtesy of GeoEye.

Costa Rica Earthquake Response

Costa Rica suffered a Magnitude 6.2 Earthquake on Thurs the 8th of Jan at 19:21 GMT. The University of Costa Rica Seismic and Volcano Observatory (OVSICORI-UNA) is appealing for satellite images of the area to help assess damage. Email Rodrigo del Potro with suggestions. Address: OVSICORI-UNA, 2346-3000 Heredia, Costa Rica. Tel: (+506)25624010 Fax: (+506)22610303.

Mapping Gaza

The people of Gaza face a deteriorating humanitarian situation. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and Oxfam have reported on the situation as well. Open Street Map - the Free Wiki World Map - is mapping the country with the aid of volunteers to provide useful maps of the Gaza Strip in the immediate future for use by relief agencies and other people on the ground. And if you are a person who is familiar with Gaza, but not in Gaza presently, and you'd like to participate, go here for guidance. Whilst this may be far from the shores of Latin America and the Caribbean, it's an exemplary demonstration of community-based online mapping and courage.