Cardano, Google Map’s companion

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

NKALLA EHAWE DIDIER JUNIOR

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Individual

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

12

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

No

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

Prototype a DApp for mapping Cameroon's points of interest using Google Maps, Cardano for NFT rewards, DID for identity, governance for community input, and iterative development based on feedback.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

Yes

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

We will use Google Maps tools (SDK, API, Android, GPS, ..etc) to geolocate places and points of interest. These free tools are readily available and will not hinder the project's progress

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

No

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

N/A

[METADATA] Horizons

Identity & Verification

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

how we perceive the problem we are solving?

Despite the lack of conventional addressing system in many countries in Africa, local communities have their own ubiquitous language to identified places. Generally they used the points of interest such as schools, health centers, crossroads, or past events to find their way around. These names which for the population play the role of addresses are only known locally (limited to a given neighborhood for example). 

This project is about bringing these names to the global level so that they are used by the whole community for specific needs.

How it work?

The Google Map’s companion application aims to simplify navigation by displaying nearby points of interest such as mechanic shops, pharmacies, markets, and even unique identifiers for potholes. Users can also suggest new points of interest. For example, a traveler in need of a mechanic will find the nearest garage, while a curious explorer can learn detailed history about a place. Delivery drivers can locate destinations and optimize their routes using the app. Finally, drivers can be alerted of eventual potholes. 

Positioned as a complement to Google Maps, Google Map’s companion will collect and provide valuable information to enhance Google Maps' data quality and user experience in local areas. This collaborative approach can improve navigation, safety, and efficiency for users in various scenarios.

Approach used in the solution

The Google Map’s companion application will offer useful notifications to users in three simple steps:

1. Nearby Points of Interest Alerts: Users will receive an alert when close to confirmed points of interest in the app.
2. Arrival Notification: Upon reaching the point of interest, another notification will be sent to the user.
3. Exit Notification: A final notification is sent when the user leaves the area.

Additionally, users can query the application to locate specific points of interest, enabling easy access to information on desired locations.

Data management 

All points of interest will be initially stored off chain and made searchable. Te application will accept the most common data format such texts, images (photos), videos and audio recordings. 

Most importantly, the application will be able to function offline. User will have to download data for specific point of interests when planing their trip or any other trajet in areas with not Internet. Users willing to suggest new point of interest will be able to do it offline as well. Once reconnected to Internet, the local data aggregated on their devices will synchronize with the application data. 

Data Validation and Quality (Generation of DID,and NFTs)

To guarantee the credibility of the information recorded in the platform, a data validation strategy will be implemented.

This strategy mainly relies on the fact that we will use the DID to identify each user. Second, the data entered by the user can be rated by the community through a voting mechanism (which will be the base for the governance component), so that the highest-rated users provide much more credible and verified information than those with lower ratings: Essentially, we will have in place a reputation system that will be based off a user past history and activity in the system.Naturally those that will have contributed to validated and confirmed POIs will gain positive credit toward their reputation. The reverse will be true as well.  

When information about a point of interest has reached consensus (has been used at least a certain number of times with satisfaction and has met other criteria that will be defined during our research), an NFT (with GPS coordinates) is created for that point. The NFT will continue to gather information during the POI lifespan. 

The resulting database can be used by various companies such as Google, delivery companies, transport companies, etc.

Tokenomics considerations. 

Generated NFTs will be sold on the market place to raise funds for supporting all the parties involved. More specifically: 

A portion of the benefits will be used for maintaining the application. 

Part of the proceeding will be used to design and implement missing and useful POIs such as Potable water point in rural Area, Fixing potholes on road ... etc. Users will be able to suggest these missing points. 

Lastly, portion of the NFT sales will be use to incentive user with the users with higher reputation. 

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

Google Map’s companion makes it possible to identify places with the concept of NFTs which will be created on the Cardano platform. The solution will positively impact the Cardano community in more than one way:

1- It will solve a concret problem on the ground

We anticipate lots of people from local communities using the app hence joining the Cardano network. This will definitely bring awareness abot Cardano , but also widen its locally community

2- Widen the Oversea Cardano community

Generated NFTs will attract a wider cardano community especially those willing to support social initiatives. Anyone will be able to buy NFTs.

3- Delivery companies will use the application to be able to deliver to the enclaves

4- The Cardano network will have access to more refined information from the geographic map

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Trackable record of past delivered projects

In Africa, we say, "A tree is recognized by its fruit," meaning past actions are the best judge. DIT Cameroon has secured funding for multiple Catalyst projects in previous funds and delivered on all promises. 

As coco-founder of DIT-Cameroon we will use our experts and ours experiences to tackle the problem.

Below are all the projects

Spread Plutus in Africa

• Close-out report for Spread Plutus in Africa: here
• Close-out video here

Planting Roots in Africa

• Close-out report for Planting Roots in Africa: here
• Close-out video here

Nurturing Roots Part 1

• Close-out report for Nurturing Roots Part 1: here
• Close-out video here

Wada documentary:

• Close out report for Wada documentary: here
• Close-out video here
• Documentary trailer here

Clubs + Hackathon

• Close out report for Clubs + Hackathon: here
• Close-out video here

Dev. Journey into DID Paradigm:

• Close-out report for Dev. Journey into DID Paradigm: here
• Close-out video here

Small Change Wallet:

• Close-out report for Small Change Wallet: here
• Close-out video here
• Dapp prototype  here

Djangui: local savings accounts mgmt

• Close-out report for Djangui: local savings accounts mgmt: here
• Close-out video here
• Dapp prototype  here
• GitLab Repo  here

Regenerative NFTrees

• Close-out report for Treedano: Regenerative NFTrees: here
• Ongoing report for Treedano: Regenerative NFTrees: here
• Close-out video here
• Dapp prototype demo  here
• GitLab Repo  here

Mentalyse : Learn through fun

• Close-out report for Mentalyse: : Learn through fun: here
• Ongoing report for Mentalyse: Learn through fun: here
• Close-out video here
• Dapp prototype demo here
• Dapp prototype  here
• GitLab Repo  here 

Lost |&| Found:

• Close-out report for  Lost |&| Found: here
• Ongoing report for: Lost |&| Found: here
• Close-out video here
• Dapp prototype  here
• GitLab Repo  here

Highly diverse and Capable Team on the ground

DIT is a multilingual team that has actively produced Web3 training content and prototype DApps in both French and English over the past three years. Our diverse, determined team is committed to their mission of integrating Web3 in Africa, with a focus on local community paradigms.

Hess: Co-Founder and CFO at DIA, Wada Hub Liaison, Wada Cameroon Hub Co-Lead, Maths & Physics teacher, bilingual (French & English)

Manfo: Co-Founder and CEO at DIA, Cameroon Team Co-Lead, Senior software architect & developer, 12+ years of experience programming, 6+ years in functional programming paradigm (F#, Haskell, Elm, PureScript), Multilingual (French, English, Italian, Ngiembo), Famer

 

Nkalla: Co-Founder and CTO at DIA, Senior software architect & developer, 12+ years of experience programming, 4+ years in functional programming paradigm (Haskell), Mathematics teacher (Education Systems Engineering), Multilingual (French, Italian, English, Mbo), Famer

Mermoz: Cultural liaison at DIA, Researcher in African Crypto communication, writer, farmer, poet and engineer. 

Maureen: Community builder, event & communication coordinator. 

Ntet: Junior software architect and developer, 4+ years of programming experience, 1+ year in functional programming paradigm (Haskell), Smart contract development (Plutus) multilingual (French, English, Bassa).

Neudjieu: Junior Software Engineer with 2 years of experience, multilingual (French, English, Medumba), 2D/3D Computer Graphic Designer experience. Entrepreneur oriented and self-taught who loves new challenges.

Tiotsop: One year of experience in applying machine learning and data science to financial markets. His work has been on extracting insights from financial data, enhancing decision-making processes, and addressing challenges specific to this domain, multilingual (French, English, Italian, Ngiembo).

Maffouo: Maffouo holds a Bachelor degree in Physics, he is a Physics teacher and Farm supervisor. He is passionate about applying physics to his farming endeavor. Bilingual (French, Ngiembo).

Community held events / Hackathons

• January 2022 Hackaathon: Introduction to Haskell

• Recorded Session
• Lectures & challenge material
• 1K USD in prizes awarded to participants

• June 2022 Hackathon: The fundamentals
• Recorded Session
• Lectures & challenge material
• 1K ADA in prizes awarded to participants

• November 2023 Hackathon: DID, SSI, DLTs

• Recorded Session
• Lectures & challenge material
• 1,2K ADA in prizes awarded to participants

Summary:

Total funding received & accomplishments over the past 2-3 years ($168K) 

• Acquired and furnished IT Center (DIT Cameroon) in Douala: 2021 - Present
• Established library with 300+ IT, Farming, Anthropological books and more
• Secured initial funding for 9 projects on Cardano Project Catalyst  ($157k)
• Completed First Haskell, Plutus, DLTs and Software Architecture Training Campaign 21+ interns trained over 2 years
• Hired top 2 interns now collaborating with with us
• Held 3 prized hackathon in parallel to our training initiative 
• Held multiple blockchain related in person and online events
• Launched Second Training Campaign (Extending it to Wada’s Ghana, DRC and Burkina Faso hubs)
• Delivered 9 out of 9 projects funded on the Project Catalyst Platform 4 of them are fully functioning Dapp prototypes.
• Acquired 111 Acres of land on which we are currently implementing one of our core Treedano: Regenerative NFTrees project as a proof of concept. 
• Planned and hosted a Cardano summit within our hub
• Planned and hosted a Intersect Constitutional working group
• Planned and hosted a Intersect Constitutional workshop
• Started setting up our network of Cooperatives (DIA Web of Coops)

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Initial preparation and framing (02 Weeks)

1. Preparation of the administrative aspect of the project
2. Familiarisation meeting between domain expert and engineers
3. Preparation of document giving authorization to provide and collect information
4. Setting up a planning workshop to produce de project schedule
5. Writing of the inception report and validation

A- Milestone outputs

Inception report

B- Acceptance criteria

The inception report must include :

1. The report of the familiarisation meeting
2. Information collection questionnaire
3. Overall project planning for each week

C- Evidence of milestone completion

Inception report

Study and Analysis of the domain (10 Weeks)

1. Identification of different actors involved in the project
2. Advance research and documentation in the geolocalization domain
3. Identification of the needs and services of the actors involved
4. Analysis, Evaluation and synthesis of the data and needs obtained
5. Writing a document presenting the system and the needs expressed (Specification)
6. Organization of an Ad-hoc workshop to validate te specifications.
7. Validation of the specification with the actors involved

A- Milestone outputs

Specification and requirement documents

B- Acceptance criteria

Specification and requirement documents must include three parts:

1. Part 1: Part 1 must present the project owner as well as the motivations from which the project took shape.
2. Part 2: The second part must present the project as a whole. More precisely, it must pose the problem that the solution will solve, present the context in which the problem arises and how the project will provide solutions. It will also present the project's objectives. It must also express Functional as well as Non-Functional Specifications.
3. Part 3: The third part includes the project progress (Planning, teams, tasks and activities) as well as specific deliverables

C- Evidence of milestone completion

Specification and requirement documents

Prototype Application design (14 Weeks)

1. Identification of the appropriate technical features
2. Identifying different components with their functions
3. Modeling business features in for all components
4. Determining appropriate technologies for each component
5. Designing of the global architecture of the platform
6. Writing documents relates to the design system
7. Validation of system design documents

A- Milestone outputs

Design documents (UI/UX design, Technical design)

B- Acceptance criteria

The Design documents must include :

1. Technical analysis report
2. Design report (UI/UX design, Technical design)

C- Evidence of milestone completion

Design documents

Acquisition of hardware and software infrastructure (02 Weeks)

1. Acquisition of hardware and software infrastructure
2. Installation, system configuration and security on the acquired hardware and software

A- Milestone outputs

Infrastructure available (virtually or physically)

B- Acceptance criteria

1. Photo of devices
2. Account to access to the infrastructure on the cloud

C- Evidence of milestone completion

Availability of infrastructure

Application development (26 Weeks)

1. Acquisition of development environment
2. deployment of development environment
3. Development and integration of technical feature
4. Development, integration and test of business features

A- Milestone outputs

Link and access account to the source code on the git hub platform

B- Acceptance criteria

1. Testing features on the test platform

C- Evidence of milestone completion

Functioning prototype including all features and use-cases

Deployment (02 Weeks)

Access link to the online application and on Google play store.

Close out report & Close out Meet up

• Produce and edit a comprehensive close out report.
• Produce and edit close out video
• Host a final community meetup to review project outcomes and impact. 

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Content Creator, Instructor, Lecturer

• Nkalla 
• Manfo
• Mermoz

Workshop Lead / Hackathon Monitor / Evaluator

• Nkalla 
• Manfo
• Dzubang

Event Organizer, Community Manager, Secretary

• Megan 
• Maureen

Administration

• Megan

On ground NFtree Operations Lead, 

• Maffouo
• Nkalla

Farm Manager, Farm related Workshop Lead

• Maffouo

Software Analyst / Tester

• Ntet
• Neudjieu
• Maureen
• Mermoz
• All community members

On ground IT related workshop support, Instructor assistant

• Ntet
• Neudjieu

AI Expert

• Tiotsop

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

• Cloud Server Acquisition: $30 x 12 + $30 x 12 + $80 x 12 = $1680
• Development server:  $30 per month
• Test Server :  $30 per month
• Production server: $80 per month
• GPS acquisition (to capture tree position that will be transform in NFT) $500
• Software Acquisition: $800
• gitlab professional 
• Kubernetes 
• Jenkins
• Slack
• Google Play account $50
• Etc

• Core Team motivations ($500 x 2 + $300 x 2 per month x 12 months): $19 200
• Manfo: $500 per month
• Hess: $300 per month
• Nkalla: $500 per month
• Dzubang: $300 per month
• Support Team motivations ($200 ea per month x 4 x 12 months): $9 600
• Ntet: $200 per month
• Raoul: $200 per month
• Maffouo: $200 per month
• Maureen: $200 per month
• Misc: $2 000

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

1. The project team's commitment to the success of the project is a significant asset as they are contributing their expertise with lower that average salary for this type of projects. This dedication reduces project expenses, making it cost-effective.
2. The solution will lead to increased transactions on the Cardano platform, with each unidentified point of interest potentially becoming an NFT. These potential numerous small transaction will boost Cardano's network traffic, hence grow the community and bring more visibility to the network overall.