[aprssig] APRS as a Situational Awareness tool

[Ev Tupis]

I hate to say it, but I am fortunate to be at the edge of a situational emergency in Western New York.  As I sit comfortably with Internet, TV and electricity, I am observing the goings on within the incident zone with great interest -- not from the perspective of watching other people misery, but from seeing what can be done to bring information and benefit to others in the zone.

APRS is billed as a situational awareness service, yet the map is largely barren of situational awareness information.  I ask myself "why?" and the answer that *never* comes out is that the local ARES/RACES folks don't care or are ill prepared.  In fact, as I listen to the on-air traffic, I hear a high degree of professionalism, focus and dedication.  Kudos to Rochester's ARES Team!  I am in awe with how you manage things.

So...why is APRS designed for situational awareness, yet is so under utilized?  A question that I will ponder over the next couple of days as the situation in Rochester abates.

Ev, W2EV





      ____________________________________________________________________________________
Never miss a thing.  Make Yahoo your home page. 
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs