Inspiration
This idea came when I was in a new area and couldn’t find a nearby mosque. Google Maps had nothing useful — and I realized many daily needs (like washrooms, prayer spots, safe cafés, or parking) are often missing. Only people know what other people truly need, so I built a map powered by the community.
What it does
The app lets people pin and share useful places on a public map — like washrooms, prayer spaces, parking, cafés, and more — with likes/dislikes for reliability. Users can also keep a private map to save personal memories and favorite spots.
How we built it
We built it around a simple idea: maps should serve people, not just directions. By combining public contributions with private memories, we designed a system where communities can share essentials while individuals preserve personal experiences.
Challenges we ran into
The hardest part was shaping an app that feels both personal and social — balancing private memories with public usefulness, and making sure the map doesn’t get cluttered but stays meaningful.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We’re proud that this project turns frustration into a solution. From not finding a prayer spot in a new city, we created a tool that can help anyone find what they really need — from basics like washrooms to safe, welcoming spaces.
What we learned
We learned that technology is most powerful when it solves small, everyday problems. Listening to real user needs is more important than just adding features.
What's next for LOOCAL
- Add categories like women-safety spots, wheelchair-accessible locations, and food banks.
- Build trust features (verified pins, community moderators).
- Integrate offline mode for travelers.
- Expand to become a global community map for accessibility and inclusivity.
Log in or sign up for Devpost to join the conversation.