SnapHOU

SnapHOU: prototype interface and core workflow.
SnapHOU: prototype interface and core workflow.
SnapHOU: product demo cover.

Inspiration

The Foster Place challenge described residents and students navigating uneven streets, blocked sidewalks, overgrown vegetation, vacant properties, and limited support for aging in place. SnapHOU focuses on turning a broad neighborhood concern into a route and field-check conversation.

What it does

Visitors can explore a clearly labeled demonstrative baseline, filter observations by barrier type, severity, and status, inspect list details, export the current view, and follow official Houston resources. A resident can save a block-level field note locally and publish a community observation after Google identity verification.

How I built it

SnapHOU uses Vite and vanilla browser modules, a Leaflet and Esri basemap, an Express and TypeScript API, PostgreSQL with Drizzle ORM, Google Identity Services, and local-first drafts. Public records use block-level locations rather than exact homes.

Challenges

The source challenge asks for a neighborhood plan, but the prototype did not have a field survey or City response to import. Five points remain approximate demonstrative examples, every boundary is labeled, and community observations are separated from 311 data.

Accomplishments

The working product gives the challenge a readable map and list, priority filters, detail and export paths, official resources, local drafts, and an authenticated publishing boundary. It demonstrates the workflow without implying that a city agency confirmed any condition.

What I learned

A map can invite fieldwork only if it clearly distinguishes an example from an observation. Privacy also matters at neighborhood scale: a block-level record can support coordination without exposing a home address.

What's next

The next field check would be designed with Foster Place residents and a responsible coordinator, then replace the examples with consented observations and an agreed route or maintenance workflow.