Open Reach

Open Reach : Intelligent Isochrone Layers for OpenStreetMap (OSM)

Overview

An isochrone map visualizes areas that can be reached within a given time from a specific point to various hub spots, considering various transportation modes like walking, cycling, driving, or public transit. The system will compute travel-time-based regions using open-source tools and display them on an interactive map.

How It Works

1. User selects a point on the map.

2. Backend queries a routing engine (OSRM/GraphHopper) to compute travel time polygons based on road networks and transport modes.

3. Resulting isochrone data (GeoJSON) is returned and displayed on the map.

4. Users can adjust parameters (e.g., max travel time, transport mode, destinations) to see different reachable areas.

Tech Stack To Be Used

Backend: Python or Go

Routing Engine: OSRM or GraphHopper (for calculating travel times)

Database: PostgreSQL + PostGIS (for spatial data storage)

API: FastAPI (Python)

Map Rendering: Leaflet.js or Mapbox GL JS

Visualization: Turf.js / D3.js

Framework: React.js

Data Sources:

OpenStreetMap (OSM) for road network data

GTFS (Google Transit Feed Spec) for public transport routes

Elevation Data (SRTM or Open-Elevation API) for terrain impact

Applications

1. Urban Planning: Analyze accessibility to services, hospitals, or workplaces.

2. Real Estate: Show potential buyers commute times from locations.

3. Emergency Response: Optimize ambulance/fire station coverage.

4. Logistics & Delivery: Determine reachable areas within a time limit.

5. Public Transit Analysis: Evaluate transport network efficiency.

This project can be deployed as an open-source tool for cities, researchers, or businesses needing travel-time-based spatial analysis.