New York – Google Launches Mapping Software To Help Nonprofits.

New York – Google Inc. launched an initiative Tuesday to help charities and other nonprofit groups use maps and satellite images to raise awareness, recruit volunteers and encourage donations.

Already, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum has been using the free Google Earth software to call attention to atrocities in the Darfur region of Sudan. When users scan over Darfur, they see icons of flames representing destroyed villages and of tents representing refugee camps. Clicking on one opens a window with details and links on how to help. [ap]