Welcome back to another devlog of SAFEROUTE!!!! So, in the last 6 hours or so, I managed to add a variety of features to my app. So far, here’s what I have.

🗺️ Navigation and Maps

• Interactive map with current location tracking
• Destination search
• Walking, cycling, and driving route options
• Route calculations using OpenRouteService
• Multiple route options
• Distance and estimated arrival time
• Turn-by-turn navigation
• Voice navigation
• Automatic rerouting when going off course
• Arrival detection
• Follow-my-location functionality
• 2D and 3D map controls
• Night mode for navigation
• Dropped-pin navigation
• Manual coordinate-based routing
• Route details panel
• Speed limit information

🛡️ Safety Features

I’ve also started building the safety system that makes SafeRoute different from regular navigation apps.

• Safety score calculations
• Comparing safer routes with faster routes
• Safety overlays
• Route safety comparisons
• The ability to prioritize safety instead of just distance or travel time

My goal is to eventually give users a better understanding of why one route might be safer than another.

🗺️ How SafeRoute Works

The app uses OpenRouteService for routing, which allows me to build the navigation system without depending on expensive routing APIs.

I’m also using React Native, Expo, TypeScript, and Firebase to build the application and its backend.

📱 Planned App Structure

I’m developing SafeRoute around five main tabs:

🏠 Home

The main dashboard, where users will be able to see an overview of the app, access quick actions, and use a small interactive map that opens the full navigation screen.

🛡️ Safety

This is where I plan to bring together safety alerts, hazard reports, community reports, local safety information, and an AI assistant powered by Gemini.

🧭 Trips

A place to plan trips, view trip history, access navigation, and eventually keep track of people who choose to share their trips.

🚨 Emergency

A dedicated section for emergency tools, trusted contacts, and features that can help users get assistance when they need it.

👤 Profile

A personalized section where users can manage their account, settings, and avatar.

🔥 Technologies I’m Using

• React Native
• Expo
• TypeScript
• Expo Router
• React Native Maps
• OpenRouteService
• Firebase Authentication
• Firebase
• Gemini AI (planned integration)

🎯 What’s Next?

Although the main map and navigation system is working, there is still a lot I want to accomplish.

My next goals are:

• Finish connecting all five main app sections
• Improve the safety scoring system using reliable safety data
• Integrate real-time alerts and hazard information
• Build community safety reporting
• Add emergency features and trusted-contact functionality
• Integrate the Gemini AI safety assistant
• Improve the overall UI and user experience
• Test the app thoroughly on real devices
• Prepare the final Congressional App Challenge demonstration

💡 My Vision

I don’t want SafeRoute to just be another navigation app. I want it to be something that helps people feel more confident when traveling, especially students and pedestrians who may not always have the safest route available to them.

My long-term vision is to combine navigation, community awareness, AI, and emergency assistance into one platform that makes everyday travel safer.

SafeRoute — Because the safest route should matter just as much as the fastest one.