Smooth sailing for Street Bump app

Street Bump is an app that focuses on an ever-present problem for all drivers: potholes. The app takes advantage of the sensors on smartphones to report potholes automatically.

Developed in the United States, the Android app users the accelerometers and GPS technology in the user’s phone to register when and where the user’s car has experienced a pothole.

The app is currently in prototype form, and focuses on simply recording and uploading data from those sensors.

The ultimate goal is to use Street Bump data to determine where potholes and other dangerous street features are located, so steps can be taken to address them.

The Street Bump app has the potential to be picked up by local councils throughout the world, helping them solve a simple yet ongoing problem.

Apps that engage users in productive tasks – such as reporting potholes – help not only the user but the wider community. Can you think of any others?