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Googling the Trail of a Serial Rapist

Posted by timothy on from the can-you-hear-me-now? dept.

theodp writes "Innovative Interactivity has a behind-the-scenes look at the Washington Post's On the Trail of a Serial Rapist series. Information Designer Kat Downs details her experience designing and building the impressive interface for the series, including the use of Google Maps to track the rapist. Wary, perhaps, that it might encourage vigilantism, the WaPo stopped short of allowing readers to add their own input to the maps and urged anyone with additional information to contact the police."

3 of 204 comments (clear)

  1. Some black guy... by will.perdikakis · · Score: 5, Interesting

    He was 21ish and 5'7" in 1997 and 6'1" and in his 40s now?

    I understand the DNA links, but the other cases?

    --
    -Will P.
  2. Re:Vigilantism by MozeeToby · · Score: 4, Interesting

    The only tracking that they're doing is tracking where the crimes took place. Go look at the site, all that's there is a timeline, with a Google map, street view, and text blurb for each attack. It isn't like they've followed the guy on the subway and found out where he lives, they're simply organizing all the data that was doubtlessly available from other sources into a single, easy to follow graphical representation.

  3. Re:Vigilantism by girlintraining · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Just because it's not lawful doesn't mean it's unethical. When the law itself (or those enforcing it) is unethical, the only ethical action may be to break the law.

    I don't believe the police were acting in an unethical fashion, I simply think they have limited resources.

    --
    #fuckbeta #iamslashdot #dicemustdie