We created Shade Seekers in response to the rising health risks of urban heat, especially for vulnerable populations like children, seniors, and outdoor workers. During extreme heat waves, we noticed how difficult it was for people to find safe, shaded pathways or public cooling areas. Traditional navigation apps focus on speed, not comfort or safety. We wanted to build a tool that helps people make heat-smart decisions in real time, reduces heat stress, and supports climate resilience in cities.
Shade Seekers is a mobile-first web app that uses real-time data to show users the coolest routes through their city. It maps out shaded sidewalks, tree cover, and public cooling stations like libraries and water fountains. Users can contribute updates, such as temporary shade structures or closed paths, creating a live, community-driven shade map. The platform is intuitive and lightweight, designed for quick use on the go, and supports both visual and audio navigation for accessibility.
Shade Seekers started as a pilot in a single neighborhood, where we collaborated with local schools and senior centers. Through community events and social media campaigns, word spread quickly. Partnerships with local government, urban planners, and environmental groups helped scale the platform to other heat-prone areas. As heat waves become more frequent, demand has grown, especially among educators, public health officials, and climate action groups seeking locally relevant, practical tools.
We added a “Shade Score” for routes, improved our heat risk alerts using weather APIs, and integrated city planning data to highlight future green infrastructure. Based on user feedback, we also included features for reporting new shade sources, like temporary tents or misting stations, and made the interface more accessible for visually impaired users. These updates have made the tool more accurate, inclusive, and community-driven.
Shade Seekers is currently in development, with new updates underway. While it's not available to the public just yet, we’re preparing to launch on the App Store soon. Keep an eye out and follow our progress online via our social media platforms. You’ll be able to explore shaded routes, discover cooling spots, and contribute to the map once the app is live.
