Google just released a new service called Google Latitude that allows people to keep track of one another using their mobile phone, or PC. The service appears to be a play upon popular microblogging services such as Twitter, but with more functionality.

From a storm chasing perspective this may have implications for chasers and spotters to allow others to track their locations along with a short “What are You Doing” message.

For example, a local emergency management agency at the county level could use this service to track each volunteer storm spotter’s location so the EOC will always know where their spotters are.

While there is a service in existence specifically designed for this purpose, lets face it – Google is the 800 pound gorilla in the room. And, I’m sure that Google has plans to monitize from this service, although it appears that there isn’t currently an “AdSense for Latitude” at the moment.

My personal advice would to be cautious in respect to using this service for public safety aspects. But as far as chasers who just want to let the family know where they are at, and don’t have an account to do this elsewhere it appears to be a great option.

Tags: technology