The EGK HCMC Map is a cutting-edge mobile application designed to enhance your travel experience on the Ho Chi Minh City Metro, specifically tailored for Line 1, which features 14 stations from Ben Thanh to Suoi Tien. Launched with the metro's operational schedule in mind, this app operates in sync with the system's daily hours from 5:00 AM to 11:30 PM, with trains running every 4.5 minutes, ensuring you never miss a ride. Whether you're a daily commuter or a tourist exploring the vibrant streets of HCMC, this app is your ultimate travel companion. Key Features: Interactive Map: The app features a dynamic, vertically oriented map that visually represents all 14 stations along Line 1. Users can zoom in and out or pan across the map to explore stations like Ben Thanh, Opera House, and Suoi Tien with ease. The map uses a blue line to indicate the metro route, with station markers color-coded for clarity. Route Planning: Plan your journey effortlessly by selecting a "From" and "To" station from a searchable list. The app employs a Breadth-First Search algorithm to calculate the shortest route, displaying the path with a highlighted yellow line on the map. It also estimates fares based on a structure of 7,000 VND base fare plus 400 VND per station segment. Nearby Stations: Utilizing your device's location services, the app identifies stations within a 5-kilometer radius, helping you find the nearest metro access point. This feature updates in real-time as you move, making it ideal for on-the-go navigation. Operational Details: Stay informed with on-screen reminders of the metro's operating hours (5:00 AM to 11:30 PM) and train frequency (every 4.5 minutes), ensuring you plan your trips within service times. User-Friendly Interface: The app is built with SwiftUI, offering a responsive design that adapts to various screen sizes. The interface includes a scrollable layout with a map view, route planner, and details section, plus a full-screen map option for detailed exploration. Real-Time Updates: While the current version uses static data, future updates will integrate real-time schedule adjustments and potential fare changes as the metro system evolves. How It Works: Launch the App: Open EGK HCMC Map to see the main screen with the vertical metro map and planner tools. Search Stations: Use the text fields to input your starting and destination stations. A dropdown list filters stations as you type, making selection quick and accurate. Find Route: Tap "Find Route" to generate your travel path. The app displays the route on the map and lists stations with estimated fares in the details section. Explore Nearby: Enable location services to see nearby stations, perfect for spontaneous travel decisions. Adjust View: Double-tap the map to toggle full-screen mode for a closer look, with pinch-to-zoom and drag-to-pan gestures for navigation. Technical Highlights: The app is developed using SwiftUI and CoreLocation, ensuring a smooth experience on iOS devices. The map data is hardcoded with approximate coordinates for Line 1 stations, sourced from metro planning information available as of September 2025. The fare calculation is a simplified model based on current HCMC Metro fare policies, subject to official updates. Future Enhancements: As Ho Chi Minh City expands its metro network (e.g., Line 2), EGK HCMC Map will evolve to include additional lines and transfer stations. Planned features include timetable integration, multi-line route planning, and offline mode for areas with limited connectivity. User feedback will drive these updates, ensuring the app remains a reliable tool. Availability: EGK HCMC Map is available for free on the App Store with limited usage, offering a taste of its capabilities. Download today and start exploring HCMC like a local!
