This is yet another cross post of an item from the LSNC main site, but it is a doozie, given what is happening in Southern California. And of likely interest to the GIS crowd out there:

Want a timely illustration of the effective use of GIS mapping? Take a look at the simple but effective wild fire maps created by the Los Angeles Times using the custom Google map features. They illustrate dramatically the areas affected. The first map was posted yesterday. A second, updated map illustrates conditions today. With either map click on the “flames” icon and you will get a (distressing) description of the area affected and the damage done.

For those into the the Google Maps API mashup mapping lifestyle thang, consider a gander at the recently updated Google Maps Creation Tools Mega-Post, an excellent, comprehensive collection of links to varied online Google map creation tools. Brought to you courtesy of Google Maps Mania, one of the better blogs for tracking developments in the world of the Google map. We’ve updated the LSNC GIS Mapping Resources page so you can find this particular Mega-Post, should you forget where it is.