What is PositionPal?

PositionPal is a micro-services-based application for creating groups of trusted users with whom to share location, routes, and notify of dangerous or emergency situation to create an effective and timely service and support network.

The idea comes from some news read recently about young people who, on their way home at night in unsafe areas of the city, share their location in a WhatsApp group of users to support and watch each other.

The Problem

Personal safety concerns are increasingly significant in urban environments, especially for those traveling alone at night or through unfamiliar areas. While general-purpose messaging apps like WhatsApp allow basic location sharing, they lack specialized safety features and automation that could make the difference in emergency situations.

Our Solution

PositionPal transforms the ad-hoc “text when you get home” practice into a comprehensive safety system with features specifically designed for personal security:

  • Trusted Groups: create circles of trusted friends, family members, or colleagues;
  • Real-time Location Sharing: share your precise location with selected groups;
  • Route Tracking: set expected routes and arrival times;
  • Automated Alerts: generate notifications when deviating from planned routes or not reaching destinations on time;
  • Emergency Notifications: quick access to alert trusted contacts in dangerous situations;
  • Privacy Controls: fine-grained permissions for when and with whom your location is shared.

Getting Started

The following sections will guide you through the architecture, design and implementation of PositionPal, demonstrating how it can become an essential tool in your personal safety toolkit.