Map-based interface platform

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I want to develop a platform (should be both an app and a website but firstly an app) that for all practical purposes will have a similar GUI to that of Waze for example.
It will be a map-based interface in which the user could perform some action and get some information about locations within the map.
How should I go about it if I know some python? Is there a recommended framework (such as kivy for example- which seemed a bit cheap to me but maybe you’ll argue against that) that I should use?
Or would you think JavaScript might be a better alternative to such a task?
Thanks!

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Developing a map-based app with a GUI similar to Waze is a substantial project that involves various components, including map rendering, user interface design, and location-based services. While you have some knowledge of Python, for this type of project, a combination of Python and JavaScript is often necessary. Here’s how you can approach it:

  1. Choice of Framework:
  • Python: Python can be used for backend development, data processing, and business logic. You can use Python frameworks like Django or Flask for the backend. Django, in particular, has built-in support for GIS (Geographic Information Systems).
  • JavaScript: For the frontend, especially the interactive map interface, you should use JavaScript. JavaScript libraries like Leaflet.js or Google Maps JavaScript API are popular choices. Leaflet is open-source and highly customizable.
  1. **Development Steps:**a. Backend Development:
  • Set up a backend server using Python frameworks like Django or Flask.
  • Implement user registration and authentication, if needed.
  • Integrate with geospatial libraries or services for location-based features.
  • Develop APIs for communication between the frontend and backend.b. Frontend Development:
  • Build a mobile app using a framework like React Native (JavaScript) or Flutter (Dart) for a native-like experience. Alternatively, you can go for web-based applications using JavaScript frameworks like React.js, Angular, or Vue.js.
  • Integrate the map library (e.g., Leaflet.js) to display the map interface.
  • Implement user-friendly UI components, similar to Waze.
  • Handle user interactions like searching for locations, providing navigation, and reporting.c. Database:
  • Choose a database system (e.g., PostgreSQL with PostGIS for spatial data) for storing location-related information.d. Location Services:
  • Use APIs from services like Mapbox, Google Maps, or Here for geolocation and mapping features.
  • Implement routing and navigation functionality.e. Mobile App Development:
  • If you choose a hybrid framework like React Native, you can use your JavaScript skills to build both iOS and Android apps from a single codebase.
  1. Testing:
  • Thoroughly test your app for usability, performance, and compatibility on different devices and browsers.
  1. Deployment:
  • Deploy the backend on a server (e.g., AWS, Azure, or Heroku) and the app on app stores (Google Play Store and Apple App Store).
  1. Maintenance:
  • Regularly update and maintain the app, addressing bug fixes and adding new features.

While Kivy is a Python framework for developing cross-platform mobile apps, it may not be the best choice for a complex map-based app like Waze due to the limitations in terms of map-related functionalities and available libraries. Using JavaScript and a dedicated mapping library like Leaflet.js would provide more flexibility and better performance for this specific use case.

In summary, your project would be best approached as a combination of Python for the backend and JavaScript for the frontend, especially when creating a Waze-like map-based app. Depending on your skill set and the specific features you need, you may want to collaborate with developers experienced in web and mobile app development to ensure a successful project.

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Thank you very much for you well-thought answer!