Google Maps Apps for Development

The World Bank's Apps for Development contest challenges developers to create innovative software applications "that move us a step closer toward solving some of the world's most pressing problems". Voting for the competition starts today.

Here is a quick run-down of some of the submitted apps that are using Google Maps.

Save the Rain

The World Bank Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) include a target to Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger by 2015. Water productivity is an essential key to help meet the World Bank's target.

This app allows you to calculate the water productivity potential of a rooftop anywhere in the world. Using the satellite imagery of Google Maps you can outline your roof and discover the average amount of rain the area receives in a year.

The application also calculates how many litres of rainwater you could harvest and the potential crops that you could grow.

MDG Maps

MDG Maps is a geovisulization tool for the Millenium Development Goals that uses Google Maps.

The application enables you to generate printable maps for the different MDG indicators. You can select any indicator from the map sidebar and the data will be displayed on the map. You can use the slider at the bottom of the map to select data for different years.

Clicking on a country will zoom in to the selected country and display printable charts for that country.

ReflexLearn
ReflexLearn is a very simple game that uses Google Maps to teach you some relevant facts about the World Bank's Millennium Development Goals.

Random markers are displayed on the map and your goal is to click on them as quickly as possible. When you click on a marker a relevant fact about the location is displayed and you average reaction time is calculated.

Hat-tip: Street View Funny

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