If you haven’t been intentionally disconnecting from the internet, you’ve likely observed that algorithms are currently facing considerable scrutiny, often associated with concerns about bias and unfairness. This is compounded by questionable decisions regarding content promotion on social media platforms.

The year 2020 did little to improve their image—for instance, students in the UK protested this summer, expressing their dissatisfaction with an algorithm used to assign exam grades after traditional exams were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. (The government ultimately reversed its decision, reverting to teacher-predicted grades.)

Considering the widespread negativity surrounding AI and the resulting lack of trust in algorithms, it’s reasonable to believe that opportunities for positive applications are limited. However, the walking routes app Go Jauntly may have discovered a beneficial use for AI to enhance the experience of its users in 2020.

The app recently launched a beta version of an algorithm-driven routing feature that suggests “green routes” nearby—identifying the most tree-lined and enjoyable (and therefore, less polluted) urban walking paths—based on its understanding of user walking patterns. The idea is to provide people in Britain, who were impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns, with some appealing new local locations to exercise and enjoy fresh air.

Go Jauntly’s app has been available since 2017 and has been downloaded over 175,000 times (free of charge), but the company anticipates that the algorithmically generated green routes will significantly contribute to its growth—as all walks within the app have previously been manually created by people exploring the routes firsthand (including contributions from users).

Currently, this feature is only accessible to app users in the UK and Ireland (and only on iOS, with an Android version planned for next Spring)—but the intention is to expand its availability worldwide later in 2021. (The rest of the Go Jauntly app is presently also available in Sweden, the US, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.)

In addition to recommending the most scenic and least polluted route between two points in the UK and Ireland, the algorithm can also suggest routes that begin and end at the same location—offering walks ranging from 10 minutes to over two hours in duration.

The machine learning technology behind the green routes feature utilizes external environmental data sources, including the Tranquil City Index (which maps London based on factors related to peacefulness, such as reduced pollution and noise levels), as well as data from OpenStreetMap and GraphHopper for route planning.

Go Jauntly is encouraging beta testers to try out the algorithmically generated walks and provide feedback to help refine its models over time. Therefore, it’s possible that an AI’s (data-dependent) definition of ‘scenic’ may not align with individual preferences.

Relying on an AI’s urban walking route recommendation could also lead you through a less desirable or welcoming area than anticipated.

Alternatively, you might encounter a route that is blocked because the app incorrectly directs you through private property—similar to a navigation system attempting to guide a car down a one-way street in the wrong direction.

Therefore, those testing the green routes should remain vigilant—and certainly avoid entering fields containing livestock.

Go Jauntly states that it plans to continue refining the algorithmic feature by incorporating additional data sets in the future—such as accessibility details, restroom locations, and historical landmarks—to broaden the range of route criteria it can accommodate, ultimately aiming for what it describes as a “comprehensive cross-platform digital ‘nature prescription’ in 2021”.  

The app generates revenue through an optional premium subscription, which provides access to exclusive content like curated walking routes and guided tours, as well as the ability to download certain materials, such as walking trails, for offline use.