Why would someone want to create a custom, crowdsourced map? In our experience, Map creators are people who want to connect those in their communities with location-based knowledge to community members seeking this helpful information. Our technology makes it easy for creators to generate a map, solicit contributions to the map and share with other community members who want to view/synthesize the collected information.

We think there are several categories of use cases that might be able to help potential users imagine the possibilities that exist with Proxi.

Recommendations

Help members of your community make location-based recommendations to other members of your community.

Travel Recommendations

• Are you an administrator of an online community having to do with travel? Do you run a travel agency? Are you a traveler looking for your next adventure? Are you ‘that person’ in your friend group who has visited a destination so many times that you have all of the hot spots to recommend?
• A travel-based map would allow your community members to make recommendations to other community members related to their travel experiences so that others can plan their perfect itinerary with trusted recommendations. This can all be done cross-platform and without managing yet another log-in credential.
• Map categories could be topics like, ‘Restaurants to try’, ‘Great lookout points’ or ‘Must see museums’.

Medical Recommendations

• Are you an administrator of an online community that addresses a specific disease or condition? Do you have a disease or condition and want to connect with others over medical professionals who deal with this issue?
• A medical solutions map would allow your community members to make recommendations of their favorite physicians or therapy offices so that others experiencing the same issues can find trusted solutions.
• Map categories could be topics like, ‘Favorite physician’, ‘Helpful pharmacy’, ‘Preferred Physical Therapist’.

Restaurant Recommendations

• Are you an administrator of an online community of foodies? Do others come to you to find the next best place to eat? Or, are you searching for your next favorite restaurant?
• A restaurant-based map would allow your community members to make recommendations about their favorite places to eat so that others can find their next meal!
• Map categories could be topics like food type or ‘Best places to brunch with friends' or ‘Outstanding desserts’.

Disaster Response and Preparedness

Enable members of your community to help one another prepare for and respond to disaster situations.

Relief resources

• Has your community recently experienced a disaster such that a map of available resources is needed? Are people putting content into shareable spreadsheets that aren’t easy to use?
• A relief resources map would allow community members or administrators to add resources the community can access to a map so that community members know where things like warming shelters are or fresh food might be available.
• Map categories might be topics like, ‘Beds available’, ‘Red Cross relief station’, or ‘Food available here.’

Infrastructure damage

• Has your community recently experienced a disaster such that infrastructure was damaged?
• An infrastructure damage map would allow community members to mark locations where infrastructure has been damaged and needs attention so that local authorities can address issues.
• Map categories might be topics like, ‘Road out at this location, ‘local potholes’ or ‘Tree downed here’.

Preparing for a disaster

• Is your community under warning for a potential disaster?
• A disaster preparation map would help community organizers spread the word about what local locations are supporting preparedness so that community members can better make plans to experience the minimum damage/discomfort during the disaster.
• Map categories might be topics like, ‘Wood for boarding buildings available here, ‘Sand bags available here’ or ‘Shelters located here’.

Community Connection and Wellness

Allow members of your community to support one another by sharing local happenings or helpful resources.

Food trucks

• Are you a food truck aficionado and want a way to figure out where all of the food trucks will be? Are you a foodie looking for the next best local food truck to eat from?
• A food truck map would allow food truck owners in your town to add their food trucks to the map (there is a date/time feature) so that community members can find their next meal from a locally parked business.
• Map categories might be topics like food type or ‘Breakfast’, ‘Lunch’ or ‘Dinner’ or even things like ‘Gluten-free options’ or ‘Family friendly’ options.

Community events and wellness

• Do you work at an organization like a newsroom or city that maps out upcoming community events? Do you enjoy finding local community-based resources that support your wellness?
• Community events and/or wellness map would allow community members to visualize upcoming events they can attend in their community or resources for them to address their health or well-being.
• Map categories might be things like, ‘Family-friendly event’ or ‘COVID testing/vaccination site’ or ‘Free event’.

Garage sales

• Are you a regular garage sale go-er in your community? Do you want a place to see all of the local garage sales in one place?
• A garage sale map would allow garage sale hosts to add their garage/estate sale to the map (there is a date/time feature) so that community members can find the next spot they will source their next treasure from.
• Map categories might be topics like, ‘Children’s items available for sale’, ‘Collectibles featured here’, or ‘Furniture available’.

You can generate a map in a few minutes and immediate star crowdsourcing using Proxi! If you have any questions about setting up your map, feel free to contact us!