Dot Distribution/Isopleth Map

 

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/reweb/2014471808_esri_japan_earthquake_and_tsunami_map_shows_video_twitter_flickr.html?prmid=head_main

The following map shows the distribution of earthquake and tremors in relation to social media posts.  This map includes the earthquakes and their subsequent tremors along with a "shake index" provided by the USGS.  The epicenter of the earthquake can be seen in the upper right hand corner of the image; indicated by the large pink circle.  The map also includes Youtube uploads, tweets, and flickr posts as well.  Through this we can see that there is a clear relationship between density of earthquake aftershocks and social media posts.  This gives a clear indication that social media has become ingrained into our everyday lives.  Granted this tragedy is more involved than updating what you did for the day or what kind of mood that you are in, but these posts have proven (through more than one situation) to be a resounding force  in news propagation. 

Dot Distribution: North Africa Fires - Past 24 Hours (MODIS Fire Point Data)

The image above was produced by using remotely sensed MODIS data.  It shows the actively burning fires during the past 24 hours (data obtained March 4, 2011) over Northern Africa.  Because fires release high amounts of radiation in the infrared spectrum they can be detected through different remote sensing techniques.  North Africa is renowned for its relatively high fire activity.  The implications due to aerosols and other outputs of these fires is currently being researched.

Data can be obtained through FIRMS: http://maps.geog.umd.edu/firms/kml.htm#northernafrica

FIRMS is operated through the University of Maryland and is extremely helpful with obtaining a variety of different fire data products.  I used some of their fire point data for research that I did over last summer with sugarcane and marsh fire activity in southern Louisiana!