Imagine the chaotic scene on the ground as any natural disaster or human rights crisis unfolds. Then imagine an online map lit up with crucial information pouring in in real time, reflecting exactly what is happening, what is most urgently needed, and precisely where.

Emerging Explorer Patrick Meier was sitting in his Medford, Massachusetts apartment when the January 2010 earthquake struck Haiti. The Tufts Ph.D. candidate was soon assisting quake victims—without even leaving home.

Opening his laptop, he mobilized hundreds of volunteers to collect data points from tweets, text messages, U.N. reports, and more to build a constantly updated online map. His efforts guided citizens, aid workers, and the U.S. Coast Guard, and experts say the map likely saved hundreds of lives. Meier now maps crises all over the world.

Meier makes his lifesaving breakthroughs available, accessible, and free to humanitarian organizations and volunteers across the globe.


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