Network World
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
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PatrolNet uses Web technologies to detail fast-changing battle zones

The beta version of PatrolNet, created by Gestalt LLC, uses Firefox as the browser interface, a backend database to store information, and a wiki to organize and update text and images collected by foot patrols. The prototype was put together using GoogleMaps, Web services, and open source software in just about two-and-a-half weeks.

By John Cox

You never walk alone

A glance at this hybrid map, blending satellite imagery (here of Camden, N.J.) with location and street names, shows via GPS data the path of a combat patrol. The route starts at far left with a green balloon (the initial log-in to PatrolNet) and is shown by a greenish blue line marked by the “donut” symbols. Also plainly visible is the context of the patrol’s tactical situation, represented by various icons or text flags. The “red man” denotes a “high value individual” to be questioned or detained; the “traffic lights” represent check points. At right, the boxes break down different views of the underlying events, color-coded by importance.

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hybrid map