Inspiration I have always been interested in how technology can make small changes that lead to a better future. For this project, I wanted to create something that helps people make smarter travel choices and understand the real impact their trips have on the planet. I was inspired by the idea that even small decisions like biking instead of driving can make a huge difference over time.
What I Learned One of the biggest learning curves was working with the Google Maps API. I had never used it before, and it took me a while to get directions to render properly and have the paths actually follow where the user wanted to go. Chart.js was also new to me. I liked how it let me show carbon emissions in a way that is visual and easy to understand. It helped make the environmental impact feel more real.
How I Built It I built the project using Next.js, React, TypeScript, Three.js, Chart.js, and the Google Maps API. I focused mainly on making the map experience strong first, because that was the core of the project. Once the routing and distance calculations were working, I added eco-friendly alternatives and dynamic charts to show the benefits of biking and walking.
Challenges Working alone was one of the hardest parts. I spent a lot of time getting the map to work, which meant I had less time to polish other areas like the login page and home page. I also ran out of time to add features I really wanted like finding nearby eco-friendly locations such as farmers markets, and integrating an OAuth system to get user car data for more customized carbon tracking. Even though it was tough, I am proud of how much I learned and how much I grew through this project.
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