International Snow Science Workshop Proceedings - Montana State University Library

Item: Internet and Social Networking: A Chance for Avalanche Education?

• • Title: Internet and Social Networking: A Chance for Avalanche Education?

    Proceedings: Proceedings, 2012 International Snow Science Workshop, Anchorage, Alaska

    Authors:

    • Thierry Vallée  [ data-avalanche.org, France ]

    Date: 2012

    Abstract: Community websites about backcountry skiing are the places where avalanches are discussed. Beginners can learn, experienced people and professionals can improve, and trainers can see people’s issues. And last but not least, young people are present on social networks, so we can communicate with them. Discussions are fine. But we also need facts and measures. Accuracy and scientific rigor. And these data must be public and available to illustrate the words of specialists. Not only available on web sites, but also “open”, usable to build smart applications. Since we have everything we need to achieve them : - data : avalanches, snow and weather measurements, maps, routes, etc. but also stories of accidents, told by those who were caught up in them - technologies at low cost : cloud computing, multimedia terminals (with gps, camera, etc.) - methods : agile methods allow us to develop simple and focused applications - legal framework with Creative Commons licenses, for example - and... people : a large community, with an incredible variety of skills. As in the mountains, the most important in software development is the human factor. So, let’s collaborate! For the benefits of everyone. An example - just a draft of the future : www.aleaski.info. This application is focused on “Where will I go skiing tomorrow?”. It uses a lot of data, to show a unique and simple map : backcountry outings and avalanches over the last few days, avalanche danger forecast, real-time observations of experts and hut staff, weather forecasts, webcams, meteorological stations. Thanks to camptocamp.org, skitour.fr, data-avalanche.org, etc. who share their data. All we need is imagination...

    Object ID: issw-2012-381-386.pdf

    Language of Article: English

    Presenter(s): unknown

    Keywords: backcountry recreationists, weather measurments, public safety

    Page Number(s): 381-386

    Subjects: avalanche safety backcountry recreationists data collection

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