Originally published April 11, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified April 11, 2007 at 2:02 AM
Google Earth to magnify the problems of Darfur
Google is using its popular online mapping service to call attention to atrocities in the Darfur region of Sudan. In a project with the...
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Google is using its popular online mapping service to call attention to atrocities in the Darfur region of Sudan.
In a project with the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, inaugurated Tuesday, the Internet search company has updated its Google Earth service with high-resolution satellite images of the region to document destroyed villages, displaced people and refugee camps.
Google Earth allows those who have downloaded its free software to focus on satellite images and maps of most of the world. When users scan over the Darfur region, where the United Nations estimates that more than 200,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million displaced in four years of carnage, Google hopes to attract their gaze with icons.
The icons represent destroyed villages with flames and refugee camps with tents. When users zoom in to a level of magnification that keeps most of Darfur on a computer screen, the icons seem to indicate that much of the region is on fire. Clicking on flame icons will open windows with the village's name and statistics on the extent of destruction.
Google enhanced the resolution for certain areas of the region so that users can zoom in to see the burned remnants of houses. Google says it will periodically update the images.
The online maps of the region also include an icon that links to a presentation by the Holocaust museum on the crisis in the region with photos, video, historical background and testimony on atrocities.
Sara Bloomfield, the museum's director, said museum staff members had approached Google about the project as they sought ways to highlight what they believe is genocide to many people who remain unaware.
Sudanese officials, including President Omar al-Bashir, have denied that widespread atrocities have occurred in Darfur. But The Hague-based International Criminal Court has accused officials and militias of orchestrating massacres, mass rapes and the forcible transfer of thousands of civilians from their homes.
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
Landmark health bill passes House on close vote
Fort Hood shooting suspect had shown troubling signs

Mourners gather at KeyArena for slain officer's memorial
Mourners gathered at KeyArena for the memorial service of Seattle police Officer Timothy Brenton on November 6, 2009.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- Flags were key link to cop slaying, bombings
- Suspect shot as city mourns slain officer
- Briefs | Soccer: New Mexico suspends hair-pulling player Elizabeth Lambert
- Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
- Huskies suffer another heartbreaking loss to UCLA
- McGinn pulling away as late ballots come in
- Using anti-shooter tactics, civilian Army police officer brought down gunman
- How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
- 3 Cascade Mountain passes close due to snow; more rain, wind expected Sunday
- Heavy snow in Cascades shuts down roads
- UCLA game thread
940 - Weapons, bomb-making materials found in suspect's apartment
336 - U.S. House passes health plan
252 - Decision day for health care in the House
201 - Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
177 - Referendum 71 show's Washington's strategy for marriage equality is working
105 - Huskies suffer another heartbreaking loss to UCLA
103 - Grading the game
98 - How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
67 - Fort Hood shooting suspect had shown troubling signs
43
- Suspect shot as city mourns slain officer
- Flags were key link to cop slaying, bombings
- 10 ways to take control of your health
- The birth of 'Grunge,' in photos by Michael Lavine
- How do innovators think?
- Danny Westneat | Lee the Horse Logger found slow wagon shrank tumor
- 10 investing missteps to avoid
- Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
- Guest columnist | Cut the South Carolina jokes, Seattle. Get ready to compete
- Consortium on verge of owning Eastside railway land





