It is the product of Tran Thanh Tuan, a graduate of information technology at the University of Natural Sciences under the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, and Nguyen Huu Dat, a graduate in Japan who is currently working at a web design company.
Although the initiative of the two young information technology engineers has not yet been named, it has integrated nearly 3,000 locations selling essential items with useful information such as location, operating time, contact information, delivery method, and actual opening status.
People only need to use a computer or mobile device to access the website at https://diembanhangthietyeu.com to learn where the goods are available. If the user agrees to share the location, the map will show the nearest stores as well as the route.
The stores displayed on the digital map are also separated by wards/communes and districts, creating favourable conditions for people to shop quickly and limit their time on the street in the current period.
 |
Interface of the digitised map at https://diembanhangthietyeu.com.
The data of the digital map is taken from the list of essential items (food, masks, hand sanitiser) supply points of the distribution system in Ho Chi Minh City (updated on July 7, 2021) deployed by the authorities to the people.
This list has up to 111 markets, 106 supermarkets, and 2,616 convenience stores, but it is presented in Microsoft Excel format, making it difficult for many people to understand and search.
According to two authors Tran Thanh Tuan and Nguyen Huu Dat, the digital map is built in the "open" direction. Users can suggest to correct inaccurate information or update the operation status and locations of stores.
“My sole purpose is to help people easily access essential shops. After the social distancing period, our digital map can be converted into a place to find updated information about charity locations, or helping people in difficult circumstances such as giving free food" said Tran Thanh Tuan.
