-
-
Twilio messaging api
-
ngrok to expose public localhost
-
Twilio phone number
-
SMS for Walking Directions
-
When address is incorrect
-
SMS for Driving Directions
Inspiration
We just arrived to Bremen for our first time, we can't find an internet connection, so we found a hard time getting to our destination ( Jacobs University) especially when not all people we met and asked for help can speak English. After we heard about Twilio Service, we said that it will very useful to have a service that helps you with directions step by step to get to wherever you want to.
What it does
It parse an SMS received from the user and send him back an SMS containing step by step description to how he can reach a destination whether by Walking, Driving, Transit or Bicycling.
How we built it
We built a nodeJs server using the Twilio Api and Google map directions service.
Challenges we ran into
It comes that the user send a not meaningful address to where he is at or where he wants to go to.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
Proud to help people who are in need when they are out of internet connection or if they have no smartphone ( mostly in developed countries ). This service will help a lot of people today.
What we learned
We learned how to send and receive SMS with Twilio and how to get the full directions description between two addresses. Exposing a localhost to the internet via ngrok.
What's next for Marco Polo SMS
The next thing is to make this service available everywhere in the world. Each country should have a known number that can be texted in hard moments.
Log in or sign up for Devpost to join the conversation.