Tracking through Google Earth and web cam

What is the idea?

An opportunity exists to expand Recovery.gov into a site that enables citizens to track recovery projects and how their money is being spent, and does so in an engaging way that encourages citizen participation, and hopefully rallies consumer confidence and enthusiasm.  

This idea involves posting ARRA stimulus projects on Google Earth so that people can sort and view projects by location, size or type.  They could then ‘fly’ to the project location and see a graphic simulation of the project; read about the project (goals, costs, jobs created, timelines, org charts, project plans) and track progress visually through Earthcam or project specific web camera; meet the project manager and get updates; watch people working; find out if jobs are available; get links to job training programs etc.  Scientific research projects could ‘fly’ people into a lab where the scientist would present his/her thesis, discuss the research and status of the research, and ultimately present the results.  Clean energy projects could tour entrepreneurial companies engaged in solar, wind, clean coal, algae, electric cars – generating enthusiasm for what’s coming, and possibly even investment interest.

This vision obviously involves Google Earth, Recovery.gov, Earthcam or web camera network, and possibly the engagement of an army of citizen volunteers.

Implementation

Implementation would involve the addition of a line item in the communications segment of every project plan.  The manager would submit basic project information related to location, costs, jobs, project plan, org chart for posting on the Google Earth ‘Recovery’ layer. 

A working group would categorize projects as they are approved, and recommend how they should be presented.   . 

      Category A - important, high visibility projects such as infrastructure projects - light rail, highways and bridges, energy projects – smart grid and wind farms, and environmental restoration are longer term and lend themselves to graphic simulation, and on-site video and tracking.

      Category B - large, high priority projects such as 21^st century classrooms, and computerized health records are not solely geographic, and don’t lend themselves to weekly tracking but do lend themselves to visual example.

      Category C - Big ideas for multiple small projects that create many jobs and should be implemented everywhere such as home weatherization, and Infrastructure repairs and upgrades, would show a generalized how to video.

      Category D - Major Research and Development programs that lend themselves educational video, or tours of innovative, entrepreneurial companies.

      Category E - Equipment purchases that can be shown by photo record.

      Category F - Training and jobs programs could be plotted locally, but also linked to like projects nationwide.

All projects would be posted on Google Earth in a special Recovery.gov layer and identified by   placemarks – state or agency designated ARRA logo. Each site would be linked to the required contracts, invoices, payroll data etc. on their respective state, and agency sites.

Certain key projects could be assigned to a group of creative and technical professionals who would develop additional 3D SketchUps to simulate e.g. light rail routes, new bridges, green buildings.  The group could even encourage submissions from job applicants as part of an ‘Apprenticeship’

Citizen volunteers could be engaged to conduct interviews with project managers, take videos, set up web cams, and monitor and promote interest in projects locally.

Why is it important?

1.       Links existing technology programs and networks to turn Recovery.gov into a picture window through which citizens can view stimulus projects and monitor the expenditure and use of recovery funds.

2.      Leverages technology to create jobs and volunteer opportunities, and catalyzes active citizenship and private public sector partnerships.

3.        Creates a virtual 21^st Century Classroom that uses technology and geography to expose and educate people about the ‘work’ of the nation, and links them to the resources they’ll need to participate.