These two proof of concept projects were part of a research project looking into using web-based GIS to help with coordinating activities and improving situational awareness. The first project used an open source platform called Ushahidi, first developed for crisis response but since expanded into many applications. Ushahidi enables monitoring of multiple input streams such as text messages, tweets, emails, RSS feeds, and other sources. These inputs can easily be processed and then displayed on a web map.
The second project incorporated a mashup between Google calendar and Google maps that was created by another person and modified slightly. When creating a new calendar entry with its location specified, the mashup would automatically create a map pin and add it to a Google map. Events could be filtered on the map by adjusting sliders that defined the time period shown.