CrisisCampNZ : brief update

CrisisCamp NZ is progressing well.  http://eq.org.nz is expanding its role. The site is now providing the following services:

People Finder

Google is now promoting the official URL for its people finder to be http://eq.org.nz/finder. The tool is a public database, where people enter either names of persons they are looking for, or if they have information about someone.

Responding to calls for help

The public can submit a request to http://eq.org.nz/volunteer-army. That will activate a response from University of Canterbury organised VSA – Volunteer Student Army. The VSA has 8,000 10,000 registered members that are able to provide assistance with tasks such as clearing silt, bricks and so forth. Additionally, we also scan Twitter for the hashtag #helpme and the public can free SMS 5627 to access this service.

Peer-to-peer support for IT businesses

http://business.eq.org.nz/ is a site for IT businesses that will require assistance as Christchurch’s infrastructure recovers. It is aimed at providing direct channels for IT project work to be offered to Christchurch-based companies.

If you have a project, consider how work could be allocated to Christchurch based firms and contractors. Consider whether projects your company has won could be done faster with help from Christchurch. The goal is to rebuild a vibrant and strong IT industry in that city.

Wholesale mapping & GIS provision

http://maps.eq.org.nz/ a collection point for GIS data and related services. Due to be rolled out within 24h, it will become a storehouse of GIS data for the region. It will  contain aerial and satellite imagery and allow for other users and organisations who use standard GIS protocols to share in and use the collected data for their own purposes. CrisisCamp NZ’s members are also investigating providing individualised, printed maps.