One of their most valuable tools was a process called "geocoding, " the conversion of street addresses into global positioning system (GPS) coordinates.
The app uses top-notch technology from Google Maps and Street View as well as geocoding APIs to make it seem as though Carole is really there, at the door, clad in fur and surrounded by snowflakes.
The downside of geocoding Web services is that they tend to require a license if you want to make lots of requests and, because they involve extra back-and-forth with an external server, they can slow down processes.
Cook has also started Appstem working on a list of improvements for INSPI2, including: improved routing including geocoding to verify that inspectors are at the right home, a native UI for tablet versions of the app, better camera integration so that users can take and tag photos faster, and real-time notifications of contractors via text messages.