Inspiration ✨
NYC’s crime rate has drastically increased and people want to feel safe and be safe when traveling to their destinations in the city. Our website allows the user to know the dangers on the path they take to their destination so they can look out for danger.
What it does 👀
This application aims to promote safer walking routes by assessing the risk level of various paths. It utilizes incident data to identify potential safety concerns along the chosen route. By integrating this information with Google Maps, users can select their start and end destinations and receive multiple route options.
Each route is evaluated based on the number of reported incidents in proximity, allowing users to make informed decisions about their preferred route. This application empowers individuals to prioritize their safety while navigating urban environments, ultimately fostering a sense of security and enhancing the overall walking experience.
How we built it 💻
We started off with the Google Map API and presenting it on our website. We got our data from Kaggle, and used a python script to get the longitude and latitude of the crime locations. Then we used the advanced features of the Google Map API to add markers of the crime locations. We also used a Route API to get a route from location to destination, as well Location API for users to input their desired locations.
Challenges we ran into 🌱
- One challenge we ran into was implementing the autocomplete feature for location inputs. We had to make sure that the suggestions appeared as users typed, just like in Google Maps. This involved setting up the necessary scripts and ensuring everything worked smoothly.
- Calculating the proximity to markers along the route was another tricky task. We needed to determine how close the markers were and consider them as potential risks. It took some experimentation to find the right balance between accuracy and performance.
- Designing the user interface and making it look good on different devices was also a challenge. We wanted the app to be visually appealing and easy to use for everyone. This required careful styling and layout adjustments.
What we're proud of 🌟
- One of our major achievements is successfully integrating the Google Maps API into our platform. This allowed us to provide accurate and reliable routing information to our users, ensuring they can navigate with confidence. By calculating the distance between markers and the route, we are able to provide helpful information about potential risks along the way. This helps users make informed decisions and choose safer routes for their journeys!
- Designing an intuitive and visually appealing user interface was another significant accomplishment. We wanted to create an interface that was both aesthetically pleasing and easy to navigate.
- Above all, we were driven by the positive social impact our application can have. By promoting pedestrian safety and raising awareness about potential risks, we hope to contribute to safer communities and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their routes.
What we learned 💡
- Working with the Google Maps API allowed us to understand the power and versatility of APIs in accessing and utilizing external services. We were previously intimidated by this topic, but working on it together helped us learn ways to make requests, and leverage the API's features to retrieve and display map data, calculate routes, and perform other location-based tasks.
- Collaborating together on this project strengthened our teamwork skills. While two of our teammates had to leave early, continuing to work towards our goal helped us learn the importance of effective communication, sharing ideas, and coordinating our efforts. Tech Together was a fun experience, and we hope to attend more hackathons like this! :)
What's next for SafeRoute ✨
Collaborating with local authorities, organizations, or safety initiatives focused on promoting safe routes and preventing incidents can ensure our data is reliable and accurate. Some ways we might collaborate include sharing data, partnering for awareness campaigns, or integrating safety guidelines into the application to further enhance its impact.
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