Online mapping updated for disasters | 05.08.2007 | 06:14:43 | Views: 5609 | ID: May 8 '07: The Associated Press reported that after the recent tanker crash in California which destroyed a major overpass in the San Francisco metro area, online mapping engineers quickly worked to revise their software to re-route people away from the site of the accident - a move toward quicker updating that could also help first responders and emergency personnel. Jeremy Kreitler from Yahoo! Maps told the AP, "I'd say overall we were very successful - we fixed the routing but didn't break anything in the process. ... This has been an interesting challenge - an example of how we put into practice our attempts to provide real-time traffic information." The changes were not totally real time - most of the companies like Google, Yahoo! and MapQuest took about 48 hours to change their software. In order to make the most appropriate changes, engineers had to work with local residents, fire fighters and EMS personnel who know the area well and can help with the redesigned route. Engineers from several companies told the AP that mapping proper routes is important because sometimes the new routes will take vehicles through areas that might not be suitable for their needs - for instance, a large tractor trailer through a residential neighborhood.
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