Google, UN unveil project to map movement of refugees

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Internet search giant Google Inc. unveiled a new feature for its popular mapping programs Tuesday that shines a spotlight on the movement of refugees around the world. The office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, which is working with Google on the project, said the maps would aid humanitarian operations as well as help the public understand more about the millions who have fled their homes because of violence or hardship. Users can download the Google Earth software to see satellite images of refugee hot spots such as Darfur, Iraq and Colombia. Information provided by the US refugee agency explains where the refugees have come from and what problems they face.