Talk:Open Boro Map

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I am interested in this project[edit]

  • First of all, I can contribute all my photos and information I know - about it. Both in English and in Russian
  • I used to know something in Computer Science, and a little bit in computer engineering, so - maybe I can advice you something.

GK Tramrunner 724 (talk) 00:27, 29 December 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for this, and for your idea of dividing the task into three layers for Information, Hardware and Software. I have refactored it a bit below to clarify and attribute the first comment in those sections to you. Pharos (talk) 03:47, 30 December 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Project scope and componests[edit]

  • User interface: Hardware and software
  • Data Processing: Hardware and software

Information Layer[edit]

Since our system is map-based, lets discuss maps first

Maps[edit]

They represent most of user's interface. Their selection and display may touch data processing layer.

Meaning[edit]

  • Actual
  • Historical
  • Special Interest

Organization[edit]

  • Physical
  • Administrative

Appearance[edit]

  • Traditional Map
  • Satellite
  • Aerial

Datasets[edit]

Sample data sources with example applications:

  • Bike Lane routes - plan trips by bike to notable destinations in district
  • Film Permits Info - where to see film locations past, present and future
  • GreenThumb Garden Info - find your local community garden
  • Tree Census Info - adopt-a-local tree near your home or school

Non-map based information[edit]

This layer deals with all the information displayed on Open Boro Map terminals. Since the idea of the project is to give information on the city, based on location, the information displayed at each terminal must be location-based. For example

  • Information on local sightings and businesses, may be requested more frequently then one about other parts of the city. It must be stored in more easily accessible locations.
  • Information includes photos, videos, descriptive texts, QA codes for external links, for example:
    • In there is a theater nearby, there should be a link to it's site and a QR code to using someone's smartphone to buy tickets to the show.
    • Same about museums, parks, local libraries, even food stores.
    • Local transit routes - should be displayed in real time, as well as local news and warnings, such as
      • road closings
      • crime alerts
      • Weather alerts.

GK tramrunner RU (talk) 02:02, 30 December 2022 (UTC)[reply]

I was thinking that an initial goal would be one terminal per borough, so that each one could be focused and themed on Brooklyn, Queens, etc. Real-time information like weather seems like it would be too hard and not related enough to the cultural mapping goal. Similarly, would want to avoid the complication of any financial transactions such as in with ticket-buying. Pharos (talk) 04:11, 30 December 2022 (UTC)[reply]
So, the task seems to be much simpler then I thought. But steel, I would organize the information layer on those machines differently, according to the boroughs they serve.
GK tramrunner RU (talk) 17:20, 30 December 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Software[edit]

All about software, used in the system.

  • Local Software (used in terminals and local area networks)
  • Central software (used on servers)
  • Middleware (used on routers, switches, and other equipment, which can be found for routing information and distributing processed)

User's Interface[edit]

All about the software, which can use used to communicate with users, standing by terminal. Everything from hardware interfacing with touch screen terminal, to processing user's data and displaying informations. Maybe some local servers will be involved.

Service Software[edit]

All about the software on information management, system information, system usage, etc.

GK tramrunner RU (talk) 02:10, 30 December 2022 (UTC)[reply]

I have heard advice from others, and also share the idea that we should be as web-based as possible. That the project is basically a website that can be accessed from anywhere, but that the terminals exist as a specialized touchscreen large format display. Pharos (talk) 04:03, 30 December 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Hardware[edit]

  • Everything from touch screen terminals to local and central servers.
  • Communication networks, as well as interfacing with public networks such as Verizon, Optimum, and Spectrum.

Hardware classification[edit]

  • Terminals
  • Local Servers
  • Central Servers

Networks[edit]

LAN, WAN, and public networks.

GK tramrunner RU (talk) 02:27, 30 December 2022 (UTC)[reply]

I would hope we wouldn't need our own servers, probably best to get cloud-based server space, which could hopefully be donated. Pharos (talk) 04:13, 30 December 2022 (UTC)[reply]
Very good idea, no need to reinvent the bike. GK tramrunner RU (talk) 17:12, 30 December 2022 (UTC)[reply]
For terminal hardware, I was looking at examples like these. Price seems to be in the $1-5k range. I am inclined toward a 45-degree model rather than a vertical one, as that would probably be more amenable for physical accessibility and extended use (i.e. you could use it from a chair or wheelchair).--Pharos (talk) 04:21, 30 December 2022 (UTC)[reply]
100% true, inclined displays are the best fit for this project. Accessibility is a key concept.
Also - in case of outdoor locations - those devices must be vandal-proofed, and be capable of working in any weather conditions.
  • Sometimes I see Select Bus Service fare collection machines, simply shutdown, creating disturbance for passengers and MTA staff.
GK tramrunner RU (talk) 17:11, 30 December 2022 (UTC)[reply]
Every display is supposed to come with programming interface for some languages, it will be used to write programs and scripts, which will be the top layer of software, responsible for an interaction with users GK tramrunner RU (talk) 01:07, 31 December 2022 (UTC)[reply]
The terminal could be custom built as shown on the xyzdisplays.com site or built from commodity hardware. The differences include price point, durability and software interfaces. If price is not a constraint then the custom kiosk units are eye-catching and designed to take wear 'n tear of general public users. For a lower price point, commodity h/w allows for buying more units for the same budget. For this reason, let me point to the All-in-One PC category which offers a touch display with 24" screens with starting prices around $400 and going up to $2k. (See note 1, for current market prices in 2023-Feb) This lower end unit could be installed in more places. One way to set them up woulb be with a Linux distro in "kiosk mode" running a web browser. (See note 2.) This less durable option might be useful for prototyping, usability studies and for demonstrations during fund raising. - DutchTreat (talk) 12:15, 3 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]

Smart device interfacing[edit]

  • There is possibility that Open Boro Map terminal will have connectivity with nearby

smartphones and tablet though "Open Boro Mobile" apps, which will be needed for any platform.

    • Connectivity can be facilitated both wirelessly, and / or using USB ports
  • Open Boro Map terminals can be used as public WiFi repeaters, and USB Charging stations.

GK tramrunner RU (talk) 02:24, 30 December 2022 (UTC)[reply]

I would like terminals to be able to interface with mobile devices through displaying custom QR codes, that would not just link to the website in general, but to a specific page of the website so that edits could be suggested there. The physical terminals will be located in places like libraries, which already have public amenities like wifi and charging stations. Pharos (talk) 03:56, 30 December 2022 (UTC)[reply]
How about placing such devices on transit hubs and on shopping malls, or in parks of NYC?
(In those cases, weather and vandal proofing is a must)GK tramrunner RU (talk) 17:14, 30 December 2022 (UTC)[reply]
So far as I know, the current plan is to put one kiosk indoors, in the Brooklyn Public Library where we have our monthly meetups. Or maybe start with just a Webpage that does what we're hoping for. When either of those works in a basic way, perhaps the idea can be expanded. Remember there are already LinkNYC kiosks all over the city. It makes me wonder whether it can be made a feature of those kiosks. Jim.henderson (talk) 21:47, 31 December 2022 (UTC)[reply]
Yes exactly, LinkNYC is something I confused the idea of Open Boro Map with.
I remember such thing exist, just forgot its' name.
GK tramrunner RU (talk) 03:17, 1 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]

Business Requirement Document[edit]

I guess we will need a separate page for a business requirement document, where all our thoughts and plans will be displayed neatly. GK tramrunner RU (talk) 01:04, 31 December 2022 (UTC)[reply]

Useful links[edit]

Maps server setup tasks that's how our map data will be processed. GK tramrunner RU (talk) 03:55, 2 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]

Examples from DOKLAB[edit]

ChristianSW (talk) 17:46, 4 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]

Guten abend Christian, documents are nice and useful, but they are in Dutch. I see English translation is well.
Danke. That's almost all I know in Deutsch and Dutch. GK tramrunner RU (talk) 18:08, 4 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]
Guten Abend! The interview is introduced in German but is in English. I didn't quickly find much material about the project, which is now several years old, but I think the images are a good source of inspiration. ChristianSW (talk) 19:02, 4 January 2023 (UTC)[reply]

Multilingual User Interface[edit]

The basic design should include a w:Multilingual User Interface. There should be a minimum of two languages to make sure that all UX elements are designed and tested in English and non-English versions. The more languages the better. However, getting a UX to work properly in some scripts can be a bit of a challenge.

The Wikimedia sister sites offers excellent coverage of topics and pictures in numerous languages. Having a welcoming interface that presents useful and engagement content in someone's native language will enhance the over experience.

If Brooklyn Library is the first target, what are the top five or ten languages for this borough? Would the list be different for the Bronx or Staten Island? DutchTreat (talk) 14:44, 18 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]

The article on w:Demographics_of_Brooklyn#Language lists the most common languages in the borough as: 1. Spanish, 2. Chinese, 3. Russian, 4. Yiddish, 5.French Creole, 6. Italian, 7. Hebrew, 8. Polish, 9. French, 10. Arabic, plus various Indic languages, Turkish and Urdu. DutchTreat (talk) 10:29, 19 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]
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