Flareway

Flareway was inspired by a desire to help people evacuate unfamiliar environments safely. I learned early on that showing directions isn’t enough during emergencies—it has to feel instinctive and reliable. To build it, I used React and TypeScript on the frontend, a Node/MongoDB backend, and deployed on Netlify. The biggest challenge was creating real-time routing with AR overlays while handling edge cases like blocked paths or phone permissions.

To enter the Google Maps Platform Awards hackathon, I’m integrating the Google Maps API to enhance our route guidance. Users scan a QR code in public spaces (like malls or cinemas), and when an alarm goes off, the app auto-focuses, fetches the nearest exit via Google Maps, and overlays it—like an emergency Google Maps.

What I Learned

How to integrate Google Maps geolocation, directions API, and custom styling

The importance of seamless UX—less friction means better compliance under stress

Managing real-world constraints: indoor mapping, emergency overlays, timed alerts

Challenges & Solutions

Indoor mapping: Used QR-triggered entry points linked to mapped building exits

Real-time updates: Switched to FIFO push alerts via WebSockets

Route privacy: Implemented ephemeral tokens for location routes

Built With

• api
• mongobd
• react
• supabase
• typescript