StreetMap Bengaluru - Time-Aware Community Map for Bengaluru

Live Demo

Open StreetMap Bengaluru

Video Demo

Video Demo Submission

Overview

StreetMap Bengaluru is a time-aware, community-driven mapping platform designed to help users discover places in Bengaluru based on intent, location, and time of day.

Unlike traditional maps, it combines structured data with user-generated insights to create a dynamic and evolving city exploration experience.

Problem Statement

Existing map platforms are:

• Static and not time-aware

• Focused on listings rather than intent

• Weak in local discovery and hidden gems

• Limited in community-driven insights

Users struggle to find relevant places based on real-world context like time, mood, and locality.

Solution

StreetMap Bengaluru introduces a 3D discovery model:

WHAT → Category (cafes, parks, metro, etc.)
WHERE → Locality + filters
WHEN → Time-based modes (morning, noon, evening, night)

Additionally, it integrates community contributions and personalized recommendations.

Core Features

Map Interface

• Interactive map using Leaflet

• Dynamic markers with clustering-ready structure

• Hover → quick insights

• Click → detailed place panel

Navigation System

Navbar (WHAT)

• Normal Map

• Cafe, Restaurant, Park, Metro, BMTC, etc.

Footer (WHEN)

• Morning

• Noon

• Evening

• Night

• Auto-detected based on current time

Sidebar (WHERE)

• Locality-based refinement

• Geo-aware zooming

• Nearby fallback for low-data areas

Recommendation Engine

• Personalized place suggestions

• Context-aware (time + filters + locality)

• Click → focuses map and opens place details

• UI redesigned to feel like a discovery engine, not an assistant

Add Place System

• Minimal required fields with validation

• Custom category support

• Inline error handling (no silent failures)

• Designed for fast contribution

Community Contributions

• Multiple users can:

  • Add reviews (tips)

  • Upload photos

  • Add menu images

• Ownership tracking per contribution

• Users can delete their own content

Reviews System

• Multiple reviews per place

• Lightweight tip-based system (not heavy reviews)

• Dynamic insights shown on map

• Supports real-world experiences instead of static descriptions

Search System

• Global place search in navbar

• Direct access to existing place cards

• Locality search with:

  • Enter-to-select

  • Auto zoom

  • Fallback suggestions

Filters (Refinement-first Design)

• Filters repositioned as refinement tools (not discovery)

• Works alongside recommendation engine

• Supports:

  • Category

  • Locality

  • Tags

  • Time

UX Improvements

• Map auto-focus on:

  • filter selection

  • recommendation click

  • category change

• Coverage-aware empty states:

  • “Not many places documented here yet”

  • CTA: Add place / Discover

Technical Stack

Frontend

• Next.js

• React

• Tailwind CSS

• React Leaflet

Backend

• Next.js API Routes

Database

• MongoDB Atlas (Mongoose)

Maps

• OpenStreetMap

Data Model (Simplified)

{
  "name": "CTR Malleshwaram",
  "category": "cafe",
  "location": {
    "type": "Point",
    "coordinates": [77.5706, 12.9916]
  },
  "area": "malleshwaram",
  "tags": ["morning", "breakfast"],
  "description": "Iconic dosa spot",
  "tips": ["Go before 8 AM", "Very crowded after 9"],
  "reviews": [],
  "photos": [],
  "menuImages": []
}

API Endpoints

GET /api/places
POST /api/places
POST /api/reviews
DELETE /api/reviews

Filters Supported

/api/places?category=cafe
/api/places?mode=morning
/api/places?area=indiranagar
/api/places?openNow=true

Development Progress (Incremental Work)

Phase 1

• Map rendering

• Basic markers

• Static dataset

Phase 2

• MongoDB integration

• API routes

• Dynamic data loading

Phase 3

• Navbar category filtering

• Sidebar filters

• Footer time modes

Phase 4

• Add place functionality

• Validation and UX fixes

Phase 5

• Recommendation engine

• Map interaction improvements

• Locality refinement system

Phase 6

• Community contributions

• Reviews, photos, menu support

• Delete functionality

Unique Value

• Time-aware mapping system

• Recommendation-first discovery model

• Community-driven insights instead of static listings

• Geo-aware refinement and fallback logic

• Dynamic map interaction (focus + navigation)

Future Scope

Social Layer

• Full discussion threads per place

• Media-rich contributions (photos/videos)

• User profiles and contribution history

Recommendation Engine

• Mood-based suggestions (work, relax, hangout)

• Personalized ranking using user behavior

• Hidden gem discovery

Map Intelligence

• Heatmaps for popular areas

• Real-time crowd/activity signals

• Advanced geospatial queries

Contributors

• Nandita — Backend, APIs, Frontend, Map UI, UX Design

• Amrita — Backend, Database, Recommendation System

Conclusion

StreetMap Bengaluru transforms maps from static tools into dynamic, context-aware, and community-driven platforms.

It reflects how people actually explore cities - based on time, intent, and shared experiences.