As fires continue to spread through parts of California and Colorado, Google has launched new tools to help people stay informed about their progress. As of today, Google searches for information about the fires will appear more than just news stories and warnings – they will also display maps of the boundaries of the fire. The Google Maps app will show the same wildfire limits for people trying to enjoy the height of summer nearby, and will also provide alerts and “environmental alerts” to those starting to approach custom areas.
But here’s the most important part: That crucial fire card information is updated for hours. To ensure that humans get the most accurate view possible, Google has used Google Earth Engine’s analytical tool to monitor images provided by the four GOES satellites of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. These satellites cannot “see” the flames directly, but they can see the huge amount of smoke that these flames produce, along with the large thermal hotspots that mean areas for intense fire activity.
