Who doesn't need more Google in their life?

Google has once again found ways to help people. There are two things to discuss here, so I'll start with the more humanitarian of the two. Thanks to the site iConflict.com that was discussed below, Google has launched a maps program that charts refugees around the world. All you need to do is download some software, which apparently 350 million people have done so far, and you're able to see where the world's refugees are located. You can even zoom in close enough to see individual tents. Once you've selected a specific location to view, you can see pictures and get information about that location. Google has teamed up with the U.N. for this project, and they hope to alert more people to growing problems around the world. I can't think of a more nobler way than this to try to make an impact on the world, and hopefully more efforts can be made because of this.

Now to the more utilitarian creation. Google has teamed up with the Chicago Transit Authority (no, not the band) to create yet another aspect to their already dynamic maps program. This program allows people to search the best routes to get around the city on the "L," Chicago's equivalent of the subway system. It does not link with Metra, the suburban train system, or Pace, the suburban and city bus system, because apparently the Regional Transportation Authority is working on its own rival site. But it is still amazing. For first-time users there is a tutorial video to guide you around the site. Once you're past that, it gets better and better. You can manually view a map of Chicago to find stations near you, and once you're there you can get basic information, like the line the station belongs to, and get a schedule for that station. If you want directions from the beginning, you can enter your destination and step-by-step directions for your trip are delivered. And if you want to make sure you don't want to drive, click the "Drive There" tab and you are instantly given driving directions side-by-side.

And things can only get better. You can set the time and date you want to travel as well, and you get new directions customized for your travel arrangements. Other options such as Street View allow you to see pictures of your destination, in case you're more of a visual person. Oh yeah, they even give you the fair you'd have to pay if you used public transportation. This is an absolutely wonderful invention for those who are unsure of traveling publicly or for travelers to a new city. It can only get better if Metra and Pace team up with Google. This service is available in other cities too, so check it out before you travel to a new city for business or leisure. Check out the links below for the story and to see it for yourself. Where would we be without Google?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/technology/chi-cta-google-webapr09,0,3820867.story
http://www.iconflict.com/