HSL Navigator
Summary
HSL Navigator is an idea of open source project, aiming to produce mobile step by step navigation service to cyclists and public transport passengers. Also, this will be a test how to create public service, based on open source development, open data and crowdsourcing.
Concept idea
Public transport users have mobile services but there is not a single service that covers all information needs on every step of one journey. Passengers and also cyclists needs a service that gives information and reliability in all situations. It has to work like a car navigator, user can just go out without pre-planning and trust he/she will get seamlessly into destination even there might be traffic disruptions or planned changes.
Before a journey
Service searches optimal route according personal preferences. It stores the route and keeps a track on most used places. Before departing time, service informs and reminds users. Possibility to set timer and alerts for search.
During a journey
User follows navigator´s step-by-step instructions: how to walk to bus stop, when next bus goes, where to change, what to do if there is traffic disruption, how to change from car/bicycle to public transport mode, etc. Instructions can be visual, audio or tangible: map, text, augmented reality, speech, audio signals, vibration.
Users are also information providers. They can inform if road work has cut off bicycle lane or escalators are out of order in metro station or other kind of route rankings, like most scenery route. Device movement can be tracked to collect data about fastest or convenient routes.
After a journey
Service stores statistic information and can tell to user e.g. how much CO2 emission was reduced compared to private car, money consuption, calories burned.
Key project requirements
- Open source development
- Service is targeted to all passengers (diverse user population)
- Have to work in all major mobile platforms
- Mobile device need to have positioning ability
- No centralized and manually updated spatial information. Utilizes external data sources like Helsinki service map, OpenStreetMap, etc
- User generated content
- De facto API standards
- Helsinki region is the first pilot area
User potential
Primary user segment contains people who might change consumer habits in favor of public transport. Main obstacle is that public transport system is too unpredictable to give reliable feeling, escpecially to passengers who are not so familiar to use it. Occasional users needs a service that gives them a same feeling than private car, that they are on control. Users need to know where and when the next bus is coming and they can trust system helps if there are unexpected changes on the way. Business reason is to increase public transport mode share but the navigator service would also improve existing customers' user experience.
Challenges
Spatial information. HSL information solutions uses finnish road data (Suomen tiestö), Digiroad and additive material from muncipalities. However, there are allways changes in real world but data updates route via official channels is way too slow. There need to be basic official data but it needs additive real time information. Users can generate information but they need a simple way to do so. There are services like OpenSteetMap or FourSquare where users can update spatial information but for averidge user these requires often too much enthusiasm. HSL navigator have to make things easier.
Public transport route navigation needs a lot of spatial information. HSL keeps and updates now some spatial information but in navigator service that would require too much resources. Service must rely on external data sources like Helsinki Service Map.
Technology issues User population and client devices are diversed. Goal is to serve all customers. Technology must be chosen so that relevant features can be done for best possible platform coverage.
Service will be based on de facto standards. Project has to develope ways to provide local information in standard format.