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Show HN: UrbanCyclr a Social Bicycle HeatMap

8 points by f3r3nc ↗ HN
Bit more than a year ago, we created the project called Budapest Cycle Track. The idea is simple: there are many cyclers in Budapest but where do they ride exactly? Which are the busiest routes?

With the iPhone or Android apps cyclers can track their routes and upload them on a common map. The results are beautiful.

With UrbanCyclr we'd like to do the same but globally.

Full screen map: http://www.urbancyclr.com/static/map.html

If you think you can create more beautiful maps than fusion tables don't hesitate to contact me :)

For the enthusiasts, here is a video that KIBU made using the data: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBkw_NRvJq0

5 comments

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adam-_-
I think I like the idea, in a novelty sense, but I can't see an obvious business model? Maybe it doesn't matter and it's just for fun.

I presume there's no data for any other cities because there's no one using the app anywhere else? I'll try and download it and use it on my way home.

adam-_-
I see that you're planning to sell posters and maps, interesting... Have you managed to speak to anyone, which suggested people would like to buy these?
f3r3nc
At first, the app we made was just for pure fun. It was so popular in Hungary and also got some feedbacks from the surrounding countries that we wanted to open up to the world.

We didn't have any business plan at all but someone suggested ppl might like posters if they look gorgeous. This idea is outside from our group so thought this could work. Also told some friends who liked the idea although asking friends about this is probably not the best validator.

If there where some interest in the posters we would create customized maps. Your routes vs others' routes.

We are also open for other suggestions :) - Putting stores on the map who can advertise? - Sell the data to governments to use it as an input for cycle route planning?

adam-_-
I tried out the app on my way home, I thought it was slick and quite fun but I don't get to see anyone else's routes around London, as far as I could see.

Is it just because no one else has used it or because you guys have to update the app to manually show more cities?

f3r3nc
Thanks for trying. Once you finished tracking, all the tracking data is sent to the server for further processing or next time the device has network connection and the app is turned on.

If the track is accurate enough, has no big jumps in it, it will be visible in a couple of minutes on the appropriate city's map or on the My Area map.

We do add cities manually but all tracks should be visible in case they were accurate enough.

Unfortunately, I cannot see any tracks in London which could mean that the track wasn't accurate enough or wasn't uploaded.