Overland Bound Software & Migration Update

[Mudgard]

Awesome! Thank you all for your hard work to make this great group even better! I can’t wait to see it in action!

 

[Michael]

All I gotta say is "When?" (I don't expect an answer, just know that I am eagerly waiting).

Haha - I will give you a general answer. We are shooting for MVP to Members in Q2, with mapping and navigation later in the year.

M

 

[Laurits]

I am currently evaluating a program - TopoFusion - for my own needs as it may fill most of my wish list for dedicated laptop use in my vehicle. It may interest you for the navigation part of your program development. Go to topofusion.com for more information.

 

[SKYF4LL]

Thanks @Michael! Really excited to see where this community is going!

I would love to contribute to the project. I've been a web developer for over 10 years: started with PHP/MySQL, worked with a lot of REST API's and I have 2+ years of experience with React + GraphQL. Most of my work revolves around building customer incentive programs for aftermarket automotive companies: ie. NAPA, Toyo Tires, SKF, Tenneco, etc.

Is there a github repo that we can contribute to?

 

[matt s]

Do I have to pay to join?

 

[Nickzero]

This is epic stuff! Thank you for the update. Looking forward to it.

 

[JKel]

I can see and hear the passion you have for OB, and specifically for the tools you are building for the entire community. All I have to say is Thank You.

 

[toxicity_27]

Sweet! Looking forward to the app!

 

[Michael]

Do I have to pay to join?

You absolutely do not have to pay to be involved with the community and be on our forums.

 

[Michael]

Thanks @Michael! Really excited to see where this community is going!

I would love to contribute to the project. I've been a web developer for over 10 years: started with PHP/MySQL, worked with a lot of REST API's and I have 2+ years of experience with React + GraphQL. Most of my work revolves around building customer incentive programs for aftermarket automotive companies: ie. NAPA, Toyo Tires, SKF, Tenneco, etc.

Is there a github repo that we can contribute to?

We do need help! The kind of help is specific, and we currently have a 12 person engineering team charging ahead. I think it would be difficult to integrate with that team, but there are "corners" of the project we might take advice with. Mapping data integration is a huge one for example.

 

[SKYF4LL]

We do need help! The kind of help is specific, and we currently have a 12 person engineering team charging ahead. I think it would be difficult to integrate with that team, but there are "corners" of the project we might take advice with. Mapping data integration is a huge one for example.

Sounds good @Michael. I happen to be currently working on a React/GraphQL mapping application (just in Canada for the time being) with 36,000+ automotive dealer and service provider locations. Integrates with Google Maps, Roads and Places API's.

 

[Tonkazuk]

The app looks great and I can't wait to check it out! It would be great to have a great GPS for following and posting adventures!

 

[Manny_est]

Hey all - this post is to provide the Overland Bound Community with a little context for the changes happening on the website, and for that reason, it may ramble just a bit. Bear with me.

Things I'll touch on briefly:

1. Why Overland Bound develops software.
2. Why this "upgrade", specifically?
3. What's to come?

Why do we develop software? Adventure is necessary. We all need it. That's our mission. What does this have to do with software development? Overland Bound grew quickly, and a couple years ago we realized that in order to serve the community, we would need to develop an unprecedented community platform specifically for overlanders. Overland Bound is the community. @Corrie and I, and our small (but mighty) staff do not scale across a global community of awesome adventurers. The community needs its own tools to communicate and support each other. (That does scale!)

In addition, the needs of overland adventurers are unique. If we could use something off the shelf, we would. But it doesn't exist. For example, I know for a fact y'all use three applications to navigate from your doorstep to an off grid location. I know, because that's what I do! In short, we develop software because it is required in order to provide the Overland Bound community with the support and resources it needs to safely find adventure of all sorts.

Our overland community platform will focus on three things:

1. Connecting with the community (Resources, SOS, Friendship)
2. Planning (Trips, Events, Training, AR and 3D Terrain Viewers)
3. Navigation (Maps and Resources, Seamless doorstep to off grid Nav, Layers)

The software in development has been designed by overlanders for overlanders, and the Overland Bound community has shaped what we are building, actively.

Why this "Upgrade" specifically? You see some new buttons and a few more colors, but is it "Better"? Yes, it is. As in life, what is better is often harder than what we are used to. In this case, the upgrade is required. When we started specifying the upcoming platform requirements, our development team was a bit slack-jawed, meaning, the goals are ambitious. To be honest, nothing like this has ever been built before. It doesn't exist. It's hard.

OK, specifics - The web platform is the source for all OLB information and features. We develop features on the web platform first. An Application Program Interface or API serves information to any client, a mobile device for example. We are designing the platform to be able to serve any client device. That can be a mobile phone, VR helmet, AR Glasses or or a Beeper from the early 90's. Various devices will interface with the web platform. In order to do this, the platform has to be fast. The previous platform was returning client "Requests" in 8000 milliseconds (8 seconds). Totally unacceptable. We needed that to be 500ms at most. In addition to performance improvements, we were able to change the development process by which we address issues so we will be much faster (the developers closed out 45 issues last night), and security has been improved. The annoying part is, much of the improvements are not visible to the community, but nonetheless, required. Now, your quality of life will improve quickly from this point.

What are we building for the community? At the highest level, we are a mobile community - we are overlanders. It's required that we have a mobile application to connect, plan, and navigate. In Q2 this year, we will roll out the MVP (minimal viable product) of the software, and for the first time, our member features will be available in a mobile app. That includes Forums, Rally Point, and the Member Map, as well as preliminary navigation. @LiveWorkWander, OB Member 0300, are accomplished UI/UX designers, and were given the challenge to execute on a design concept that was function-first, specifically for overlanders. You won't find annoying check-boxes or sliders too small to use, and being a driving app for all times of day, day/night modes are a requirement. The list goes on. As I said, nothing like this exists.

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That's the beginning.

After the initial release, we will continue to deliver features at a monthly cadence. These will be innovative features that make overland travel safer, more fun, and better with a world-wide support network of fellow members. These features will be both cutting edge, and simple features that add value. Examples include:

1. 3D and AR Renderings of terrain traveled by the community (3D for safety - better prepare you for the environment you will encounter)
2. Theodolite Telemetry data recorder - (everything about your speed, angle, and location recorded - Overlander Black Box)
3. Gas planner and Alert - Based on known, updated gas locations, app will tell you to keep going or turn around based on your current fuel level.
4. Map, save, and share your tracks and trips (if desired)
5. Map Overlays (BLM, Nat'l, Private, and other mapping layers)
6. Team Ride (see where your crew or convoy is on the map in real-time)

These are just a few examples, and I know they sound cool, because you my friend, are an overlander. Not everyone thinks like this :) We will be introducing a "Pro" subscription tier to support the development of these features. It's necessary, but optional. This is a huge team undertaking, and without a "Pro" tier, it doesn't happen.

Many of you know I have a background as a software developer, and among the many reasons for starting Overland Bound, escape from that world was a part of it - or at least, finding balance. When we made the full realization I would need to embrace software development in order to support the Overland Bound community the way it deserves, it was a huge decision. The fact is, our software development is required to provide the tools and support the community needs, and to make our community everything it can be. Software development is hard. Anything worth doing usually is. It's worth it.

I have a huge personal thanks to give to the community for being continually awesome, and being understanding and supportive as we work hard to execute on a large vision. I'm not sure another community like Overland Bound exists. You are unique, unprecedented, and awesome. We're busting ass to meet you halfway.

Thank you,

Michael, Corrie, and Team OLB

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Great write up first of all. Second, bravo and good work. I know how you feel when it comes to several hours of behind the scenes work to make something better. Especially those instances that go unnoticed!! I give you all credit for the hard work! Keep it up.

 

[Retinens803]

@Michael when is the next status update?

 

[Trail Runner Bowser]

Can't wait to try the new stuff out. :)

 

[Retinens803]

41 days until the end of the summer. Looking forward to a better delivery date!

 

[GeoCampers #4771]

Summer is almost over. Any chanse you need beta testers in europe???

 

[Laurits]

41 days until the end of the summer. Looking forward to a better delivery date!

What with global warming and all, summer will never end so you may have a long wait.

 

[Msfitoy]

Any ETA on this release? So very looking foward to this...is there a fee?

 

[Retinens803]

Originally it was set for end of 2nd quarter, then summer, now I am wondering if it will be this summer!

BUT I am with you I am anxious to see what all these engineer hours are going to produce!