NASA is launching a pilot program that utilizes citizen science to improve hurricane disaster response. The Response Mapper program will utilize before-and-after photos submitted by the public to track conditions on the ground, along with data from satellites and field reports.
The program aims to provide emergency responders with clear and localized information, which can be challenging in rural areas. Satellite imagery offers a wide-area view of hazards but may miss short-lived impacts due to factors such as cloud cover or data processing delays. By combining citizen-submitted photos with other observations, the project can help verify conditions on the ground and fill blind spots.
Citizens can participate by downloading the GLOBE Observer app and taking land cover photos of the same location over time, ideally once a week or month. The project is expected to improve data that directly supports hurricane disaster response efforts and empower people to take action to help their communities before a potential storm hits.
The program will run through October 31 and aims to provide life-saving insights to emergency responders. By leveraging citizen science, NASA hopes to make a difference in disaster response and recovery efforts.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/US/nasa-pilot-program-citizen-science-improve-hurricane-response/story?id=124785629