Recently I have begun work on a mobile application called Beacons, another example of potential for collective action, this time to geo-locate, coordinate and potentially distribute resources. Again, mapping here is not a central feature, but rather an effort to make sense of, condense and present information. A synopsis follows, more information is attached.
Beacons is an exploration into ad hoc human-to-human networks that arise spontaneously in dense urban environments when official means of communication are disrupted in times of crisis. Our goal is to create a mobile application and centralized database to locate, coordinate and distribute resources, for use by first responders, political activists and citizen journalists. The software’s functionality will be augmented by a series of physical totems, or beacons, strategically located in the landscape. The beacons will serve as local resource pointers and allow up/downloading via Wi-Fi stations, with supplementary power generated by hand-crank. Compiled information will be visualized on line to provide a real time set of local resource maps, potentially charting the location of individuals, food, shelter, medical supplies, etc. To seed the database with preliminary information, beta test the software and educate local residents about the use of the system, we will collaborate with the Parsons PETLab Research Initiative to design an Urban Game utilizing the Beacons application.
beacons_presentation