SchoolRun Geo-Logistics
School commute logistics backend with Haversine routing and PostGIS
Geo-logistics service powering student commute coordination, driver route optimization, and live event-stamped trip manifests. Built with Django REST Framework, PostGIS spatial queries, Haversine nearest-neighbour algorithms, and nightly Celery manifest generation.
The Challenge
Real-time GPS socket streaming from dozens of school vans across fluctuating cellular networks in Kampala causes excessive battery drain and drops connection constantly, leaving parents blind to pickup statuses.
Architecture & Solution
Replaced fragile continuous socket streams with an event-driven GPS checkpoint architecture. Drivers check in at milestone waypoints; the Haversine engine calculates remaining route distance and estimated arrival, and Celery workers generate nightly optimized manifests.
Engineering Decisions
- PostGIS Spatial IndexingLeveraged PostGIS spatial geometry indexes for ultra-fast point-in-polygon queries and student pickup cluster calculations.
- Nightly Celery ManifestsAutomated overnight route generation using Celery workers with Redis, ensuring drivers have cached offline-ready manifests before morning runs begin.
Outcomes
- Rock-solid delivery reliability over 3G/4G cellular connections
- Zero battery drain issues on driver Android devices