There is, and you reference, a RFS NSW fire incident site, but it gives an RSS feed and no lat/long. I need lat/long to place on an Apple MapKit map.

There is also the Sentinel KML service available, but am thinking I’d need to parse detail, since KML no use to MapKit maps.

I’m not really sure best way to get the info.

I suspect that missing records and positional accuracy is an issue with point locations presented in all the mashups, including those based on data originally supplied with geographic coordinates. Hence my appeal to deal at least with one dataset for a “common good”… We really need people with local knowledge to verify those points!

The sad thing is that collectively we spent 100’s of hours on geocoding the same datasets but no one has a perfect set! And even worse, there are dozens of versions now…

As it is now, all locations have been geocoded automatically, some with better accuracy, some with not as good. And there are a few missing points as well. There is also an opportunity to add other States.

Please use this simple geocoder tool to identify exact location and send coordinates to me with relevant brigade details via aus-emaps.com. I will publish updated information for anyone to use. It would be something that would last beyond this contest. Thanks!

As it stands, Bushfire Incidents map is “too big” for iPhone Safari browser (my code is only 60Kb but on top of this are all the overheads: Google scripts (100kb+), map imagery, data feeds. But it could be adapted using latest version 3 of Google Maps, or better, static maps. Other information would also have to be converted to imagery before serving – otherwise it would be too costly for the user to access the information. I haven’t got the skills to create iPhone app but will be happy to partner with someone who does!

If only I had known you were the chap behind aus-emaps.com I would have reserved my comment.

As for your inquiry about weather data, I’m afraid I’m using BOM data as well and haven’t found any other resource that covers all the regional areas. Furthermore, I’m reluctant to use information from unofficial sources.

Cheers!
Harshit

I knew someone will raise “similarity” issue. Life is so unfair…:-) So, just for the record then:
- Since we are dealing with the same datasets and same mapping platform, similarities are unavoidable.
- I have been serving bushfire maps since late 2006… this page has been operational since early 2008 and served Victorians well during 2009 bushfires (in fact, tens of thousands of visitors from around the world). Just google “bushfire maps” and see what you get. There are links there to screenshots of the application depicting extents of fires on 7 and 8 Feb 2009…
- I have been gradually adding new functionality – wind information and RSS feeds were on my “to do” list for this fire season.
- Geocoded CFA RSS feeds were first used for mapping by Google in Feb 2009 and Sensis is using it as well.
- Chequered markers for Police and Fire Stations are not unique (eg. I used this design in Postcode Finder submitted on the first day of this contest).
- I planned to submit this application from day one this contest was announced so, it’s not that I “just happened to follow someone else’s idea” (you can find references to it in my blog post from 3rd October here http://all-things-spatial.blogspot.com/2009/10/mushup-australia-contest.html)

But I guess, in the end, it is all immaterial… Victoria: FireReady is a very nice application, and surely you hit the mark with the audience. That’s all that counts! There is nothing more for me to say than just to sincerely congratulate you a great idea and attractive implementation. And, good luck with the contest, you are with a great chance for a prize!

Cheers

Arek

PS. There is one thing I meant to ask, if you don’t mind. What’s your source of weather information? I am looking for free alternatives to BOM’s WFS feed as a backup option.