Inspiration
Our project was sparked by the recent LA wildfires. Watching thousands struggle to evacuate safely as fires blocked roads and cut off communication really hit home. It made us realize how broken current evacuation systems are - when you most need directions to safety, traditional navigation apps often fail you.
What it does
We've built a disaster navigation system that helps people find safe evacuation routes even when networks are down. The uses emergency broadcasts and messages for shelter locations, then plots the safest path there using real-time hazard data. Unlike regular navigation apps, ours prioritizes safety over speed, routing around danger zones and blocked roads.
How we built it
We combined Google Maps API for navigation with GenAI models to extract critical info from emergency alerts and messages. The system caches map data offline so it works even without internet. We also built features that help emergency responders reach affected areas more efficiently.
Challenges we ran into
Getting the accurate hazard and safe location data from emergency messages was tough. We also struggled with making everything work offline and figuring out how to dynamically update routes when new hazards pop up. Testing was another challenge !
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We managed to build a working prototype that could actually save lives during disasters. We implemented the offline functionality and route planning, and the emergency response features could help rescuers reach people faster.
What we learned
This project taught us how complex disaster response really is. We learned a ton about working with AI models, offline data caching, and real-time navigation systems. Most importantly, we learned how tech can make a real difference in emergency situations.
What's next for DisasterNavigator
We want to partner with emergency response teams to test and improve our system. Long-term, we hope to scale this into a comprehensive disaster preparedness tool that can be deployed anywhere in the world.
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