A smartphone app that uses crowd-sourced data called Sketch Factor tells users to stay away from potentially unsafe areas in their local neighborhoods across the U.S.

This app isn't really intended for local residents already familiar with their neighborhoods, especially if they've lived there for years. But it's rather useful when navigating around a new city.

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It might come across like the famous app, Waze that tells users to stay away from traffic or congested roads and areas. Sketch Factor tells users to avoid areas where muggings or even catcalls are prevalent.

One of Sketch Factor's co-founders, Allison McGuire, set out to create Sketch Factor so she could do something about the muggings and racial profiling her friends experienced.

McGuire thinks it's all about shedding light on the city's troubled spots and helping people enjoy and explore the city more. She also says this app will help empower people with technology to protect themselves more while navigating their cities.

The app works by providing walking directions based on a map created by users. It also provides user feedback where people can share tips about which are safest routes to take and what places to avoid.

Many were quick to detract from the app's true purpose, slamming the app with negative press and accusing the app's creators of racism.

Some skeptics said the app's target market are white people with smartphones that want to avoid predominantly black neighborhoods.

Sketch Factor's were quick to address these allegations, saying Sketch Factor is a tool that can be used by anyone, anywhere and is not exclusive to privileged sectors and tourists.

This app also encourages users to report all misconduct, harassment and racial profiling and to share this information.

The app is now available on iTunes and will soon be available on Google Play.

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