Explorehere

Project Overview

ExploreHere is a location-based historical discovery app that sends push notifications about historical markers when users travel. The app provides contextual information about local history, unique attractions, and regional insights. Currently operating as a freemium model, the project generates nearly $1,000 monthly in revenue and aims to become a passive travel companion that offers subtle, informative nudges about surrounding historical points of interest.

Technical Implementation

The app integrates data from the Historical Marker Database (HMDB), leveraging existing geolocation information to provide accurate historical context. The creators are actively expanding coverage, with the founder currently photographing markers in Japan and planning a marker submission feature in early 2025 to crowdsource global historical marker information.

Community Response and Insights

Hacker News commenters drew parallels with previous travel companion apps like Triposo, appreciating the concept of a non-intrusive, background travel information service. Users expressed interest in the app’s potential to reveal hidden historical gems and provide context during travels. Some technical enthusiasts suggested potential expansion strategies, such as starting small with local marker collections and gradually building broader coverage.

Notable Considerations

Privacy concerns were raised about continuous location tracking, with discussions highlighting the importance of responsible data usage. The creators appear transparent about data sourcing and are focused on providing value through historical discovery rather than invasive tracking.