It may not seem like a big deal, but the government is recognizing the widespread use of Apple’s iPhone handset –enough to come up with the “FillThatHole” application. This little app allows people to make use of the GPS function on the handset, take a picture of a nearby pothole and have it instantly reported to the proper officials. For the most part, reports are processed within a week or so.
The app itself is simple and easy to use, though actually being able to add that notification pin on the map view mode is a little tricky for those who are not used to pin-point accurate spots on the screen. But overall, reporting a pothole should not take more than ten minutes –which is a very slight inconvenience for anyone considering the amount of help that it provides.
What many people fail to see here is the underlying hint of what kind of future current technology holds for us. For now, the app covers the reporting of potholes. It is not hard to imagine similar applications meant for other details, such as locating construction violations or fire hazards. It can even expand to informing authorities of problem areas in the city –such as malfunctioning street lamps, broken mail boxes and other similar functions.
In fact, being able to report things is not the only thing you can do. Government apps can include important city guides such as an augmented reality app that allows you to easily find the fastest route to a police station, hospital or fire station.
Our society is slowly embracing the culture of digital information. While the UK still needs to sort out some of the finer details of the digital economy bill, and many areas still need to get connected, it is apps like FillThatHole that remind us that we are on the right track. For now, the app is limited to the Apple iPhone, but one for the Android may be in the works should the right manpower for making and supporting the Android version become available.
Tags: Apple, Apple-iPhone-apps, Apps, fill-that-hole