Inspiration
Living in Houston, a city notorious for its heavy traffic and car-dependent structure, we are constantly surrounded by air pollution. Our curiosity to build something impactful and our mission to raise awareness about air pollution inspired us to create WeatherData, a tool that helps users better understand the air quality around them.
What it does: WeatherData
WeatherData is a mobile-first web application that offers users real-time information on the air quality based on their location. The data is categorized into different pollutants, with each displaying their concentration. WeatherData is customizable to suit the user's preference, including any applicable medical conditions.
How we built it
We built WeatherData using a combination of React and Javascript to create our interface and functionality. We used the Open Weather API and the Air Quality Programmatic API for our data, primarily for designing our interactive map with real-time data.
Challenges we ran into
Some challenges we faced included blending multiple APIs into a uniform experience, fine-tuning the graphics for clarity, and most notably, building and refining the interactive map. With varying levels of experience on the team, we had to quickly adapt, learn, and bridge knowledge gaps to ensure the project came together smoothly.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
Our team was composed of two first-time hackathon participants and one with prior experience. We’re proud of how much our beginners learned in such a short time, and equally proud of how our experienced teammate helped guide the process. Despite the challenges, we successfully created a user-friendly interface with direct, functional features that anyone can navigate, regardless of experience.
What we learned
We learned to create programs with implemented APIs as well as better familiarized ourselves with JavaScript and React. We learned to tackle challenges as a team, utilizing AI tools for assistance.
What's next for WeatherData
WeatherData plans to introduce predictive air quality trends, enhance the user interface for a more seamless experience, and expand compatibility across a wider range of devices and platforms.
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