Marqur - A Social Platform for Location-based Content Aggregation and Discussion

Abstract

This project aims to realize a free, community-driven platform for hosting and promoting location based content. Users are given the freedom to create and place digital content virtually at real, physical locations using GPS coordinates. Through this platform, we can post digital images, videos or other information users may want to share, linked to that location. A new store opening, a lost pet, a music event or any other type of news or announcement can be made through this application quickly and easily. Advertisers can put up image or video ads around their service area. Significant events that happened at a street or venue can be relived through photos and videos posted there. Most importantly, all this information is contributed and curated by everyday users. Thus, we can now see a digital snapshot of any location as depicted by its residents. This gives us an authentic look at places without having to visit them first. The proposed system is developed by having a combination of geo-location, social networks, connected apps and various web services. Malicious or harmful content that violates platform policies can be reported and removed. Other content can be up-voted or downvoted by users. The more voted a post is, the more visible it is compared to the others nearby. This helps in hiding spam or posts of poor quality, while making useful posts more visible. There is also the possibility of adding live automated data feeds, such as traffic and weather, making this a complete solution for location based awareness. If needed, posts can also be set a fixed visibility duration after which they are automatically hidden. The service is free to the general public but can still generate revenue by charging advertisers, adding to its feasibility.