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"I was enchanted by the history of all the old buildings [at Harvard] but many of them were unmarked, and the ones that did have plaques on them had very terse explanations. I was curious about what was around me, everywhere I went."
Using reverse geolocation look-up technology, Near To Here knows exactly where a user is located and what interesting stuff is around them. As a user passes by landmarks - both renowned and obscure, they are alerted with the Wikipedia entry of whatever is near - allowing them to discover and learn as they wander through new or old places.
This innovative use of geolocation technology means that users can learn about places of interest they may recognize, but can also learn surprising facts about lesser-known places, such as hidden gems in foreign cities or historical sites in their own hometowns.
"This is a tremendously powerful application and we are excited to share it with everyone," says Near To Here creator Zak Tanjeloff, age 23. "Unlike a tour guide or tour book, the information you'll find in this application is limitless and dynamic because it is layered onto the internet."
Users do not have to enter their city, country, or location—just simply turn the app on while wandering around a familiar city or touring a foreign location. Unlike current iPhone travel guide applications which are city specific, Near To Here is able to deliver relevant content anywhere on the planet.
Not just intended as only a travel tour guide, the app can be incredibly interesting simply using it around your hometown. Tanjeloff got the idea as a student at Harvard, from which he graduated in 2008.
"I was enchanted by the history of all the old buildings [at Harvard] but many of them were unmarked, and the ones that did have plaques on them had very terse explanations. I was curious about what was around me, everywhere I went."
The Near To Here iPhone application will be in all Apple App Stores worldwide for 99 cents.
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