- Project Title: Android Auto support for Organic Maps
- Student: Andrei Shkrob
- Mentor: Roman Tsisyk
- Organization: Organic Maps
The purpose of this project was to integrate Android Auto functionality into Organic Maps, with the following objectives:
- Enhance the usability of Organic Maps for drivers using Android Auto as a safe navigation solution.
- Provide an open-source alternative to proprietary mapping solutions for Android Auto users.
- Increase the accessibility of Organic Maps by allowing users to control the app through their car's dashboard display.
- Develop key features that enable route planning, navigation, and various settings adjustments.
- Implement a user-friendly interface for key screens such as Navigation and Route Planning.
- Support features like Day/Night mode for improved visibility during different times of the day.
- Create a seamless integration with Android Auto, allowing users to plan routes on their phones and navigate using the car's display.
By achieving these objectives, the project aimed to provide drivers with a reliable and open-source navigation solution that can be safely accessed while on the road.
Click on the spoiler tag to reveal screenshots.
Main Screen:
Settings Screens:
Bookmarks Screen:
Categories Screen:
Search Screens:
Place Screen:
Route Screen:
Navigation Screen:
Connection Info Screens:
Following table contains the list of important PRs created for this feature sorted by time.
| URL | Description |
|---|---|
| Initial draft Android Auto support | This pull request introduces the initial implementation of the Android Auto feature, including foundational screens. |
| Add location button | This pull request implements a location detection feature tailored for Android Auto, enhancing user navigation experience. |
| Connection detection | This pull request showcases the implementation of a connection detection feature, enabling smooth transitions between Android Auto and mobile phone usage. |
| Search Screen | This pull request demonstrates the implementation of an interactive Search Screen with real-time search functionality on the map, enhancing user convenience. |
| Place Screen | This pull request introduces the Place Screen, offering users relevant information about selected map objects and enabling convenient route planning. |
| Route Planning | This pull request signifies the implementation of an enhanced route planning feature, providing users with visualized routes, ETA, and distance information. |
| Navigation Screen | This pull request highlights the comprehensive Navigation Screen, delivering essential navigation data such as upcoming turns, ETA, distance to destination, and lane guidance. |
While the Google Summer of Code period provided a solid foundation for integrating Android Auto support into Organic Maps, there remains further work to be done to bring this feature to its full potential. Regrettably, the constraints of time during the GSoC program prevented a complete implementation. However, I am committed to continuing my efforts beyond GSoC to finalize and deliver this essential feature to end users.
I'm excited to continue contributing to the Organic Maps project and to see the Android Auto support feature evolve into a valuable asset for drivers seeking a reliable and open-source navigation solution.
To learn more about our detailed plan for future development, please refer to the next section.
Participating in the Google Summer of Code program has been a transformative experience that has significantly contributed to my growth as a developer and my ability to drive impactful projects. Throughout this journey, I have not only achieved the goals set forth at the beginning of the program but have also gained invaluable insights, skills, and connections.
GSoC has provided me with the opportunity to excel in various ways:
- I honed my technical skills by implementing complex features and addressing real-world challenges within the Organic Maps project.
- Taking ownership of the Android Auto integration project allowed me to exercise project management skills, adapt to changing priorities, and achieve milestones within set timelines.
- Interacting with mentors and the Organic Maps community expanded my ability to collaborate, seek and provide feedback, and work effectively within an open-source environment.
- Tackling the intricacies of Android Auto integration encouraged creative problem-solving, enhancing my ability to find innovative solutions.
- By prioritizing user experience in the design, I learned the importance of considering end-users' needs and preferences.
In conclusion, GSoC has been an enriching experience that allowed me to successfully achieve my goals. The skills, insights, and connections I've gained will undoubtedly shape my future contributions to the tech industry and open-source community. I'm grateful for this opportunity and excited to continue building upon these achievements.