World Bank and Google announce Map Maker collaboration

This project will prove to be a critical component in providing aid during disasters in developing countries. By leveraging Google's map platform the World Bank and relief organizations will be able to pool their data/research to more effectively respond to disasters.
While some organizations see the benefit in leveraging what already exists - others can't resist the urge to try their hand at reinventing the wheel. The Moscow government is doing just that. They have decided to develop their electronic map service, which will be used instead of Google maps or Yandex. So far, 20 billion roubles have been spent in what officials claim will be a system that provides tighter integration into the local infrastructure. The site will be up in a month or so at atlas.mos.ru



Read More:  http://www.sofiaecho.com/2012/01/17/1746570_world-bank-and-google-announce-map-maker-collaboration
The World Bank and Google announced on January 16 2012 an agreement aimed at improving the ability of developing countries to access a web-based community mapping tool and data to help better monitor public services, and improve disaster and humanitarian response efforts.
Under the agreement, Google will provide the World Bank and its partner organizations - including governments and UN agencies - with access to Google Map Maker underlying geospatial data that includes detailed maps of more than 150 countries.