Combining Google's satellite mapping technology and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's dearth of pollution and contamination data, new web applications let users map out toxic and contaminated sites.
"A sophisticated new breed of mapping software on the Web is allowing users to pinpoint toxic hot spots and hazardous sites beneath the ground using a wealth of new information and mashed-up existing technology."
One new application allows users to "type in a ZIP code, and yellow stars indicate the Superfund sites on or near the designated area."
"'Google has given you the platform,' said Pat Garvey, a system manager with the EPA. 'EPA is giving you the data. It's a convergence of software and of source data. The software is there. The Internet is there. Now the data is available.'"
Read the full story: Map software pinpoints environment hotspots
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FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
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City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority