Relief 2.0 -- Interview with Safecast (Sean Bonner) Part 4
Relief 2.0 -- Interview with Safecast (Sean Bonner) Part 4
Safecast is a global sensor network for collecting and sharing radiation measurements to empower people with data about their environments. Safecast is a global project working to empower people with data, primarily by mapping radiation levels and building a sensor network, enabling people to both contribute and freely use the data collected. After the 3/11 earthquake and resulting nuclear situation at Fukushima Diachi it became clear that people wanted more data than what was available. Through joint efforts with partners such as International Medcom and Keio University, Safecast has been building a radiation sensor network comprised of static and mobile sensors actively being deployed around Japan -- both near the exclusion zone and elsewhere in the country. Safecast supports the idea that more data -- freely available data -- is better. Our goal is not to single out any individual source of data as untrustworthy, but rather to contribute to the existing measurement data and make it more robust. Multiple sources of data are always better and more accurate when aggregated. While Japan and radiation is the primary focus of the moment, this work has made us aware of a need for more environmental data on a global level and the longterm work that Safecast engages in will address these needs. Safecast is based in the US but is currently focused on outreach efforts in Japan. safecast.org
