NY Service Atlas Map — Web Project

Project Overview

The NYC Service Atlas project was developed by Isura Wickramarachchi in 2007 as a location-based service directory for nonprofit organizations across New York City. The objective of the project was to provide a centralised online platform where users could quickly locate nonprofit agencies based on the type of service they required, view their exact location on an interactive map, and obtain the nearest public transportation routes.

At the time, the existing system was hosted on another server, and the client required the entire application to be migrated to the newly released Google Maps platform, replacing the previous mapping solution while preserving all existing functionality.

The project modernised the Service Atlas by integrating Google Maps with a dynamic PHP/MySQL backend, creating an easier and more interactive way for the public to access thousands of nonprofit services throughout New York City.

Design & Structure

The website was designed with functionality and ease of navigation as the highest priorities.

The interface centred around an interactive Google Map where users could search for nonprofit organisations using multiple search filters, including service category, geographic area, and neighbourhood. Search results were displayed both as a list and as map markers, allowing users to visually identify nearby organisations.

Each organisation profile included detailed information such as contact details, available services, location, and the nearest public transportation options, making it easier for residents to access essential community services.

The overall design focused on simplicity, fast navigation, and accessibility, ensuring that users of all technical backgrounds could easily find the assistance they needed.

Unique Design Concept

In 2007, integrating Google Maps into large public databases was still relatively new, making this project one of the early implementations of location-based service directories.

The system combined several technologies into a single application, allowing users to:

Search nonprofit organisations by service category.
Locate agencies using Google Maps.
Display nearby subway and bus routes.
View neighbourhood demographic information.
Find the closest service providers.
Access organisation profiles directly from map markers.

A powerful administration system was also developed, enabling administrators to:

Add new organisations.
Edit existing records.
Remove outdated organisations.
Update locations and contact information.
Maintain the entire database without technical knowledge.

Another advanced feature planned for the project was the integration of Google Analytics, allowing administrators to analyse user behaviour, identify the most frequently searched services, and better understand community needs through search statistics.

Key Features

Dynamic PHP/MySQL application.
Google Maps integration.
Interactive location search.
Category-based nonprofit directory.
Map marker visualisation.
Public transportation route display.
Neighbourhood demographic information.
Advanced search filters.
Complete administration panel.
Organisation management (Add/Edit/Delete).
Google Analytics integration.
Search-engine-friendly architecture.

Technical Highlights

PHP/MySQL database-driven application.
Early Google Maps API implementation.
Dynamic map marker generation.
Multi-filter search engine.
Database management interface.
Google Analytics integration.
Interactive geographic information system (GIS).
Cross-browser compatibility.

Significance

The NYC Service Atlas project demonstrated Isura Wickramarachchi's ability to develop complex, data-driven web applications that combined mapping technology with large-scale public information systems. At a time when Google Maps integration was still an emerging technology, the project transformed a traditional nonprofit directory into an interactive geographic information platform.

By combining database management, GIS mapping, transportation information, demographic data, and administrative tools into a single application, the project significantly improved public access to nonprofit services across New York City. It also showcased expertise in integrating emerging web technologies into practical, real-world solutions that delivered measurable value to both organisations and the communities they served.