National Taiwan University student develops "Cool Map" navigation, focusing on summer sun protection and night driving modes

NTU Cool Map provides a "Vampire Map" mode. (Photo/Cool Map)

Taiwan's hot summers can also lead to sudden heavy rains. In August this year, a navigation tool called "Cool Map" became popular on social platforms. It focuses on the concept of "walking two minutes more and losing half the sun". Just press a button to find cooler walking routes in the Shuangbei area. When it rains, you can avoid waterlogged roads and give priority to roads with street lights at night.

The "Cool Map" navigation tool was developed by three students from the Department of Asset Management of National Taiwan University. The main theme is "If you must walk, can you make the process more comfortable?" Unlike traditional navigation that pursues the shortest path, this navigation tool focuses more on walking comfortably. Therefore, the development team believes that the best route should be the one that best suits the human body.

In fact, there has been similar research and development in Europe for a long time. Switzerland has added "Vampire Mode" to the map to give priority to guiding users to walk in shady areas. Japan and South Korea have also recently added this feature, reflecting the current situation of rising high temperatures year by year.

Referring to overseas functions, students from the Department of Asset Management of National Taiwan University integrated Taipei City's 3D architectural models, street tree distribution and arcade data to calculate the changes in sunlight and shadows at different times. When choosing a route that prioritizes comfort, they will recommend the route with the best shade effect. Corresponding to Taiwan's rainy climate, "rainy day mode" and "night road mode" are also extended.

Among them, the "Rainy Day Mode" will plan arcades and areas prone to water accumulation so that users can avoid rain and wading as much as possible, while the "Night Road Mode" will give priority to recommending routes with denser street lights. Currently, in addition to the Shuangbei area, "Cool Map" also supports the Taichung area, but to expand to the entire Taiwan, each city must have complete public data.