In what appears to be a great example of technology being applied in new areas, UK charity MapAction uses the latest satellite mapping and communications technology to respond more rapidly and efficiently after disasters.
The charity can map where disaster victims currently are, where key resources such as water and shelter are located, and where outside help can be found. By looking at the cross-section of these statistics, the charity can better distribute aid and predict the likelihood of further ensuing disasters, such as the outbreak of disease.
These types of technologies can and hopefully already are transforming the way in which development projects are managed. It also is having impacts on increasing the efficiency of global food distribution among other areas.