New Orleans Interactive Evacuation Map: for the 2nd Anniversary of Katrina
If you need the directions for New Orleans evacuation on an interactive cool map - after all we have a long hurricane season - here is a revamped Google New Orleans Maps from Contraflow (advertising revenue goes to Katrina Relief as they state). And if you wonder why on earth would we need a new map once there are official maps in pdf? Because it is not pdf but interactive Google Maps, also listing cool and important features like Gas Stations on Contraflow Routes, a Hotel List Generator, Estimate Drivetimes, etc. And if you give feedback or participate in a survey, your feedback will be built into the map (at least that’s what a survey is for). A pdf is a good thing, but there are things that are even better, interactive things. According to the authors, only 44% of Louisiana citizens has access to the internet, but it does not mean that the info reaches only 44% of the people. Back home in Hungary, my granny kept asking me things that I searched for her on the internet, and I don’t think it should be very different here in New Orleans.
One important note from the authors in a FAQ style:
Are the maps accurate?
We’ve surveyed the accuracy of the maps using satellite imagery, and when satellite imagery was unavailable, we surveyed from the air. However, drivers should always follow law enforcement directions when on the road.
By the way, the Louisiana Technology Council featured the contraflowmaps.com in their newsletter too. It is a pity that there is no mentioning who made the maps, the newsletter only refers to the makers as New Orleans citizens (”Now a group of New Orleans citizens have taken the official printed version of the Louisiana Contraflow Maps and converted them into a Google Map version. The Google Map “Mashup” of the New Orleans Contraflow maps is their first project.”) Who are the guys? Well, I can see ‘Debbie’ and ‘Peter’ and Sean Walker’s brother on the blog and there may be more. Anyway, are you guys interested in a new tech meetup in New Orleans?
Whoever made the evacuation maps: big thanks and congratulations! If you have any suggestions, share it with the makers on their blog.
This pic, for instance, shows Head East I-10, if you click it, it will enlarge. 
We did feature the maps, and requested the names of those who had done so in order to include them, but they respectfully declined to be included as they said it was not about receiving kudos or acknowledgement, but rather a way to give back.
Giving kudos to them would not be contradicting their aims at all. Quite on the contrary, it would give a face to the map makers, and those guys who are collecting the feedback from the users. I would rather share my opinion with Debbie, Peter, etc. than with ‘contraflowmaps@gmail.com.’
As a web 2.0 type of user I definitely give more trust and credit to those sites, services and people who put their name and face out on the wild wild web.
Whether it’s Contraflows or LTC.