A scalable citizen app for real-time flood reporting that empowers residents to share geotagged photos and observations directly with municipalities—enhancing climate resilience through active public engagement and integrated data
The app integrates citizen data with sensor readings and other city inputs that monitor flooding, enabling a comprehensive view of flooding conditions in real-time. It also facilitates two-way communication, allowing the municipality to communicate directly with app users and share updates about flooding incidents and countermeasures. This innovative tool has improved emergency response prioritisation, reduced damage risks, and strengthened community participation in climate adaptation efforts.
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Citizen reporting: Residents submit their observations through the platform, including GPS location and optional photos.
Automatic Categorization: The system categorizes the report and routes it to the correct department for processing.
Status updates: The citizen receives feedback when the work has started and when it is completed.
Merging observations: Multiple reports about the same issue can be merged, allowing for a single coordinated response and shared feedback
How it works:
The platform enables citizens to easily report observations related to public services or infrastructure. Users submit reports via a web or mobile interface, including GPS location and optional photos for accuracy. Once submitted, the system automatically categorizes the report and routes it to the appropriate department for handling. Citizens receive real-time updates when the case is initiated and upon completion, ensuring transparency. To improve efficiency, the platform can merge multiple reports about the same issue, allowing for a single coordinated response and shared feedback.
How it was developed:
Gjøvik Municipality is a replicator for Lappeenranta and has followed the process for evolving a citizens app. Lappeenranta developed its own app to engage its citizens, called CitySen. When it became unclear how this app would be maintained after the project ended, Gjøvik Municipality decided to look for another solution to address this need.
We chose to use a program called Gemini Melding, provided by one of our suppliers, Volue, which offers solutions within mapping and notifications. This solution is cloud-based and maintained by the supplier, ensuring stable operation and reducing the need for local administration.
The solution was designed with a strong focus on user experience and operational efficiency. It leverages modern web technologies and mobile-friendly design to ensure accessibility for all citizens. The backend integrates with existing case management systems through secure APIs, enabling seamless data flow and reducing manual work. Automated categorization is powered by rule-based logic and, in some cases, machine learning models to improve accuracy over time. Development followed agile principles, involving iterative testing with real users to refine functionality and usability. Security and privacy were prioritized, with encrypted data transmission and compliance with GDPR standards. The result is an innovative, scalable platform that bridges the gap between citizens and municipal services, fostering engagement and trust.
Connectivity requirements: The platform relies on mobile network or internet access. In areas with poor coverage, reporting and updates may be delayed.
Digital inclusions: Some elderly users or those unfamiliar with digital tools may find it challenging to use the platform without guidance.
Ongoing maintenance: The system requires regular updates to remain effective. Categories and options must be reviewed, expanded, or removed as needs change to ensure accurate reporting and routing.
A scalable citizen app for real-time flood reporting that empowers residents to share geotagged photos and observations directly with municipalities—enhancing climate resilience through active public engagement and integrated data
The app integrates citizen data with sensor readings and other city inputs that monitor flooding, enabling a comprehensive view of flooding conditions in real-time. It also facilitates two-way communication, allowing the municipality to communicate directly with app users and share updates about flooding incidents and countermeasures. This innovative tool has improved emergency response prioritisation, reduced damage risks, and strengthened community participation in climate adaptation efforts.
The business plan for this innovation has been evaluated by The Funding Company and it is considered to be ready for investment.
The main components of the system have been tested separately, and an initial integration exercise has been conducted.
Citizen reporting: Residents submit their observations through the platform, including GPS location and optional photos.
Automatic Categorization: The system categorizes the report and routes it to the correct department for processing.
Status updates: The citizen receives feedback when the work has started and when it is completed.
Merging observations: Multiple reports about the same issue can be merged, allowing for a single coordinated response and shared feedback
How it works:
The platform enables citizens to easily report observations related to public services or infrastructure. Users submit reports via a web or mobile interface, including GPS location and optional photos for accuracy. Once submitted, the system automatically categorizes the report and routes it to the appropriate department for handling. Citizens receive real-time updates when the case is initiated and upon completion, ensuring transparency. To improve efficiency, the platform can merge multiple reports about the same issue, allowing for a single coordinated response and shared feedback.
How it was developed:
Gjøvik Municipality is a replicator for Lappeenranta and has followed the process for evolving a citizens app. Lappeenranta developed its own app to engage its citizens, called CitySen. When it became unclear how this app would be maintained after the project ended, Gjøvik Municipality decided to look for another solution to address this need.
We chose to use a program called Gemini Melding, provided by one of our suppliers, Volue, which offers solutions within mapping and notifications. This solution is cloud-based and maintained by the supplier, ensuring stable operation and reducing the need for local administration.
The solution was designed with a strong focus on user experience and operational efficiency. It leverages modern web technologies and mobile-friendly design to ensure accessibility for all citizens. The backend integrates with existing case management systems through secure APIs, enabling seamless data flow and reducing manual work. Automated categorization is powered by rule-based logic and, in some cases, machine learning models to improve accuracy over time. Development followed agile principles, involving iterative testing with real users to refine functionality and usability. Security and privacy were prioritized, with encrypted data transmission and compliance with GDPR standards. The result is an innovative, scalable platform that bridges the gap between citizens and municipal services, fostering engagement and trust.
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