A real-time, community-driven safety platform for university students
University of Johannesburg · Information Systems 3B · 2025
AlertNet is a cross-platform mobile safety app built to protect students in and around university campuses. It combines real-time GPS tracking, instant SOS alerts, and a community Walk Partner system — designed specifically for the South African student environment where affordable, proactive safety tools are critically needed.
Built to fill the gaps left by existing apps like Namola and Life360 — AlertNet adds community-driven, proactive safety tailored for students.
| Home & Map | SOS Emergency | Walk Partner | People / Contacts |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Partner Profile | Plan Your Walk | Helpline |
|:---:|:---:|:---: | 
| 
|
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| 🆘 SOS Emergency Button | One-tap alert sends live GPS location to your entire safety circle instantly — delivered in under 3 seconds |
| 🚶 Walk Partner System | Find a verified walking companion for your route with live shared tracking |
| 📍 Real-Time Live Tracking | Continuous encrypted GPS broadcasting to trusted contacts |
| 🗺️ High-Crime Zone Alerts | Geofencing detects dangerous areas and suggests safer alternative routes |
| 🔳 QR Emergency Card | Scannable QR code gives first responders instant access to your emergency contacts |
| 📞 Emergency Helpline | One-tap access to Police (10111), Ambulance (10177), and Campus Security |
| 👥 Safety Circle | Manage trusted contacts who receive alerts and can track your journey live |
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Average SOS alert response time | 2.7 seconds |
| Location tracking accuracy | 99% |
| Notification delivery success rate | 98% |
| Target concurrent users | 10,000+ |
| Target system uptime | 99%+ |
┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Presentation Tier (Frontend) │
│ React Native + Expo │
│ Kotlin/Swift native extensions │
└──────────────────┬──────────────────────┘
│
┌──────────────────▼──────────────────────┐
│ Application Tier (Backend) │
│ Node.js — Auth, Geofencing, │
│ Walk Partner Matching, GPS API │
└──────────────────┬──────────────────────┘
│
┌──────────────────▼──────────────────────┐
│ Data Tier (Hybrid Database) │
│ Firebase Realtime DB (live data) │
│ SQL (audit logs, history) │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘
Frontend: React Native, Expo, JavaScript, Kotlin/Swift (native extensions)
Backend: Node.js (async real-time API), Firebase Cloud Messaging
Database: Firebase Realtime Database (live sync) + SQL (structured data)
APIs: Google Maps, Google Geofencing, Google Directions, Geocoding, YouTube API, Resend (email notifications)
- Node.js v18+
- Expo CLI (
npm install -g expo-cli) - Android Studio or Xcode
# Clone the repo
git clone https://github.com/KevinCoder47/AlertNet-mobile-app.git
# Go into the frontend folder
cd AlertNet-mobile-app/frontend
# Install dependencies
npm install
# Start the app
npx expo startYou'll need to configure the following — copy .env.example to .env and fill in your keys:
GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY=your_key_here
FIREBASE_API_KEY=your_key_here
FIREBASE_PROJECT_ID=your_project_id
RESEND_API_KEY=your_key_here
| Test Case | Status |
|---|---|
| SOS activation & alert delivery under 3s | ✅ Passed |
| Walk Partner request & live connection | ✅ Passed |
| Emergency notification with correct location | ✅ Passed |
- SMS fallback for emergencies during connectivity loss
- Direct integration with SAPS and campus security
- Adaptive GPS refresh rate for battery optimisation
| Name |
|---|
| Mpilonhle Radebe |
| Kevin Serakalala |
| Thembinkosi Madiba |
| Siphephile Mtshali |
| Okuhle Mgudlwa |
| Musa Buthelezi |
| Nathi Gumede |
Supervisor: Thamie Mhlanga · Institution: University of Johannesburg
AlertNet supports UN SDG Goal 11 — Safe and Inclusive Communities · Built with ❤️ to make South African campuses safer