Dr. Sherri Harms
UNK Department of Computer Science and Information Systems, 308-865-8123
Two seniors in the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems at the University of Nebraska at Kearney have designed and programmed an Android map application of the UNK campus.
Michael Sall of Holdrege and Joel Meyer of Norfolk created the app to help people find buildings, departments and student services offices on campus.
“When started, this app will capture the user’s current GPS location and through menus, allow the user to choose a destination on campus,” said Dr. Sherri Harms, Department of Computer Science and Information Systems chair. “The person can then follow the sidewalks or roads to reach their destination.”
The app, called Wobini MApps, is built upon the Android Software Development Kit and utilizes the Google Maps Application Programming Interface (API) to display the map and geo-locations, according to Meyer.
“Our philosophy is to use open source software, such as the Android Operating System and the Google API, in new and exciting ways, and provide users with a simple, easy to use interface to access information that is relevant to them and their particular needs,” Meyer said.
The app is available at no cost for a limited time at http://wobinimapps.com. There is also a quick response code and printed material on the website, so the app can be provided to others.
“Wobini is capable of a variety of advertising elements built into the system,” Meyer said. “These capabilities are available to the individual customer and allow for the MApp (Map App) to provide a source of revenue and to quickly gain a return on investment.”
“It is important for new technology to be tested by real users and feedback provided to the student developers for improvements,” Dr. Harms said. To provide feedback about the app, contact Joel Meyer at meyerjr@lopers.unk.edu.
The two have also formed the company SMB Technology Consulting.
“SMB Technology Consulting provides information technology solutions and services for small to medium-sized businesses, from which our name is derived,” Meyer said. “These services include Google Apps for business migrations, custom Web and mobile application development, custom built websites, technology consulting, as well as hardware and software support, sales and service.”
