Project 2684

Team Name

Team 2684

Team Members

Project Description

"InstantLocate" is an intuitive mobile application developed to assist both local residents and visitors of the Northern Territory in easily finding essential services. The app utilizes real-time location tracking to recommend nearby services, offering a seamless experience that eliminates the confusion of navigating multiple information sources. Designed with inclusivity at its core, "InstantLocate" breaks down barriers by supporting multiple languages, ensuring that users, regardless of linguistic background, can access the information they need in their preferred language.

To further enhance accessibility, the app integrates a groundbreaking feature for visually impaired users. By allowing users to input their desired service through voice commands, the app provides an audio-based navigation system that verbally guides them to their destination. This automatic audio feedback ensures that visually impaired individuals can receive real-time, spoken directions on how to reach their chosen service, making the search for services not only easy but truly accessible.
"InstantLocate" also offers offline access to stored locations, allowing users to retrieve information even without an internet connection. Whether it’s a saved location of a frequently visited place or a critical service, the app ensures uninterrupted service. Moreover, for users in remote areas with limited connectivity, the app has an SMS-based feature that allows users to request and receive information about local services via text message, ensuring that essential services are always within reach, even without a data connection.
This combination of real-time location services, audio-guided navigation for visually impaired users, multilingual support, and offline functionality makes "InstantLocate" a versatile and powerful tool for everyone.

Data Story

How "InstantLocate" Solves the Challenge
In today's fast-paced digital landscape, locating essential services in unfamiliar regions, especially for visitors and residents facing barriers such as language and technological literacy, remains a critical issue. With an increasingly diverse population, both locals and visitors need a solution that provides seamless access to healthcare, education, transport, and more.

The Problem: Before "InstantLocate," people relied on fragmented sources of information – websites, apps, and physical directories – to find services in the Northern Territory. This often led to frustration, inaccurate referrals, and missed opportunities to engage with local services. For those facing language or access barriers, finding reliable information was even more challenging.

Therefore, "InstantLocate" is designed to provide seamless access to local services in the Northern Territory using a combination of real-time location tracking, machine learning (ML), and advanced APIs. By integrating multiple datasets, the app not only helps users locate services but also offers personalized recommendations, enabling a more efficient and user-friendly experience.

Datasets in Use
Territory Services Dataset (https://digitalterritory.nt.gov.au/showcase/digital-portals/territory-services)

This dataset serves as the foundation for the app’s real-time service recommendations. It contains comprehensive data on public services such as healthcare, public transport, businesses, and educational institutions. When users search for a specific service, the app fetches relevant results from this dataset and displays them in real-time.
Example: When a user searches for "pharmacy," the app provides a list of nearby pharmacies based on their real-time location and availability in the dataset.
FAQ Dataset for Common Services (https://ccnt.associationonline.com.au/mc-content/services-suppliers-manufacturers-directory/frequently-asked-questions)

Integrated into the AI assistant chatbot, this dataset enables the app to respond instantly to frequently asked questions about local services. By automating responses to common queries, the chatbot improves efficiency while reducing the burden on service providers.
Example: When a user asks the chatbot, "What are the bus routes near me?" the AI assistant pulls information from the FAQ dataset and provides a quick response.
NT Parks and Reserves Dataset (https://data.nt.gov.au/dataset/natural-resource-maps---nt-parks-and-reserves)

This dataset is used to offer information on natural attractions, parks, and recreational areas across the Northern Territory. By integrating this data, "InstantLocate" can guide users to parks and reserves based on proximity.
Example: A user interested in outdoor activities can easily find nearby parks, reserves, and other nature-related services.
Latest Visitor Data from Tourism NT (https://tourismnt.com.au/research-strategies/research/latest-visitor-data)

To provide recommendations that suit both residents and visitors, this dataset is used to track tourism trends and popular attractions. The app leverages this information to suggest activities, events, and services that visitors are most likely to need.
Example: A visitor looking for cultural experiences or events in the Northern Territory can receive recommendations based on current tourist trends.
Key Features and Implementation
Real-time Location Tracking

On the user's first login, the app prompts them to enable location services. This allows the app to track the user’s real-time location, ensuring accurate service recommendations based on proximity. For example, if a user is looking for the nearest hospital, the app will provide options within their immediate vicinity, calculated in real-time.
Search and Audio Input

The search functionality fetches results from the Territory Services dataset via an API, offering suggestions as the user types. For users with visual impairments, the app includes an audio input option. By allowing users to speak their service requests, the app provides a hands-free experience. Once a service is selected, audio directions are generated, guiding the user to their desired location.
Example: A user can say "pharmacy," and the app will respond with audio instructions on how to reach the nearest pharmacy, with turn-by-turn guidance.
Personalized Recommendations

The app incorporates a machine learning algorithm that tracks users' frequent service usage and considers their current location to provide tailored recommendations. It also suggests nearby events based on user preferences and recurring visits.
Example: If a user frequently visits cafes or parks, the app will prioritize recommendations for cafes and nearby green spaces based on their current location.
Multilingual Support

"InstantLocate" provides multilingual support by fetching translation data from an API. Users can switch between languages, and all service recommendations and instructions are dynamically translated.
Example: If a user selects Mandarin as their preferred language, the app will display and speak all instructions in Mandarin.
AI Assistant Chatbot

The integrated AI assistant offers instant responses to FAQs by pulling from the FAQ Dataset for Common Services. This chatbot assists with routine queries and escalates complex issues to human operators if needed.
Example: A user might ask, "Where is the nearest bus stop?" and the chatbot will provide an immediate, accurate response based on location data.
Offline Access

In the absence of an internet connection, "InstantLocate" offers two key solutions:
Saved Locations: Users can access a "Favorites" section containing previously saved locations without needing an active internet connection.
SMS-based Service Access: In areas with limited internet, users can request location information via SMS, and the app will respond with the requested details.
Example: A user can save a pharmacy’s location when online and later access it offline or request directions via SMS if they are in a remote area with poor connectivity.
Maintaining Up-to-Date Information
"InstantLocate" stays current by regularly integrating API data from service providers. As new businesses, healthcare services, or events are added to the Territory Services dataset, the app updates its recommendations to reflect the most recent information. This ensures users are always accessing accurate, real-time data.

Conclusion
"InstantLocate" is a robust solution designed to make local services more accessible to both residents and visitors of the Northern Territory. By leveraging real-time location tracking, personalized recommendations, AI-driven chatbots, and multilingual support, the app caters to diverse populations. The inclusion of offline access ensures that even users in remote areas can benefit from the platform, creating a truly inclusive and user-friendly experience.