Gulf Oil Spill: Defenders of Wildlife

Since the Gulf oil spill began in April of this year, we've showcased a variety of resources related to the event. It started with a simple overlay and later led to more advanced files likethis comparison tool and Google's Crisis Response page.

The latest tool to be released comes from the "Defenders of Wildlife", in the form of an impressive "Gulf Oil Spill Response and Recovery" map.

As explained on the Google LatLong Blog, here is what makes this tool so useful:

This Gulf Oil Spill Recovery map was created using the Google Maps API and the Google Earth API. It allows any users, whether they're part of a non-profit group or concerned citizens who want to report what they observe in their backyards, to upload stories, photos and video to the common shared map. The result is an impressive illustration of all the projects - from beach cleanups to air monitoring surveys to sediment sampling - going on in the region to help rescue and restore affected species and their habitats. The map also shows numerous steps that the Obama Administration is taking to mitigate the near- and long-term impacts of the spill. As the map evolves, you'll be able to see how the marine environment and coastlines recuperate from collaborative efforts by average people, non-profit organizations and government agencies.

For more information, you can visit the Defenders of Wildlife website