Inspiration
I liked the sound of all the topics, and while pondering over which to pick I came across a charity asking for donations to provide clean water on the T.V. It struck me that unlike the other topics, water sanitation could be solved almost entirely by financial investment. Therefore, I was able to utilise my working knowledge of economics and passion for satellite systems into a project that while seemingly simple, seems to have been largely overlooked.
What it does
This spreadsheet uses data and formulas to calculate a real time estimate of the costs involved in water sanitation in rural areas.
How I built it
I created a Python code of the NASA water sanitation database and attached it to a spreadsheet that is linked to economic sources. When the code is imputed into the spreadsheet it then calculates the cost of water sanitation.
Challenges I ran into
This is the first hackathon I’ve entered, and so much of this experience was as challenging as it was rewarding. I soon ran into the issue of bugs and learning how to eradicate them was a daunting but rewarding task.
Accomplishments that I’m proud of
Primary I’m proud that I didn’t give up, I won’t get laptop until the start of university and so I can’t be entirely sure if my dying IPhone 6 even properly attached the code to the spreadsheet, but it was working last time I checked.
What I learned
I learned Python especially for this, I’m starting a cyber security degree next week and I’m sure I’ll improve but I just can’t wait to get started. I also learned how to debug a code, which I’m sure will prove a handy skill moving forward.
What's next for Rural Water Sanitation Finance Spreadsheet
Well, if anyone likes it I’d like to introduce it or its ideas to as many people as possible, water sanitation is pricey but people’s lives come at a much greater cost.
Log in or sign up for Devpost to join the conversation.