eResearch Mapping

Robin EdwardsDale Bocos

Madhumathi Nandakumar

eResearch Mapping

 

     This project describes JCU, Research department has large number of collaborations and projects abroad. Our mission is to enable an infrastructure for the researchers and students across JCU to map and display project locations, descriptions and details within the Google maps API.

Project involves attempting to load a list of JCU projects and subsequently map their locations onto an online global map (I.E. Google Maps).  

The goal of this project is to allow interested parties an at-a-glance view of the extent of JCU Project partnerships and locations across the globe.  Current Client is David Salsbury

         

Project Evolution• Project started last year, Semester 2 • Our solution Began with the idea of integrating google maps into the

existing JCU web structure which uses Plone as the backbone•  We developed our project to the point of a working prototype using the

Plone web API.

Evolution cont.

Tried to find a better, more dynamic way to fill the map with projects

Came up with a solution using javascript/html to retrieve project information from web hosted spreadsheets

This gave our project a very simple, elegant solution that can be embedded in any web page.

Progress overview

• Currently our project is complete and operational

Technical Problems Encountered

• Problems adapting Google maps to Plone• Learning Plone/Python• Thor (JCU Server) hpc problems• Javascript development environment • Hosting on jcu issues• JSON throughput• Data Security

Project Problems Encountered

• Changes of scope• Multiple Clients• Team not all on same page• Project feature dependencies limit work efficiency

Technical Walkthrough

User Experience Flowchart

Technical Code/Functionality Items

• Master Key functionality and security• Menu and Search Functionality• Google Maps Instance• Loading Map Data by Owner/Department/Search• Displaying plotted Data

Master Key functionality and security

• Project is about sharing information• Individuals can only modify their own data• Key System • Master Key Table controlled by Administrator

Master Key/Security Diagram

Project Creation

• Using Google Spreadsheets• Could switch to another JSON/XML format• Simplicity of design (KISS)

Dynamic Selections and Search

• Ease of use high priority• Form drop menus used as selectors• Text Field entry for search• Added to separate Div• Used dynamic javascript

   

Mapping Solution

• Best mapping solution• Google Maps v3.0• Open Street maps• 3d Solutions (Google Earth, NASA World Wind)• Web Based Solution

Loading and Displaying Data

• Loaded by Project Owner/Creator, Department or Search Term

• Loaded through a JSON stream • Data is plotted as Lat/Lng Point Objects• Each belongs to a Marker object in an Array• Marker Array is plotted on Google Maps with

markerArray.push(marker)• Optimise viewing by centering map

    Bounds.extend(point)    map.setZoom(map.getBoundsZoomLevel(Bounds));    map.setCenter(Bounds.getCenter());

Clearing the map

• Simplicity of Google Maps• ClearMap() function• Array of markers is deleted

While (map.markers > 1)    markers.pop()

Demonstration

Where we go from here

•  Project is complete, ready for deployment• Clients will be given the documentation and the

project deliverables• Implement the project within their own sites at their

will• Proof of Concept Completed

Project continuance worth funding?• Project is only as useful as the user makes it

 • If clients genuinely will use the project and have it

embedded on their site then it could be a usefull tool •  Otherwise, the project may fall by the wayside of

priorities • We made what they wanted

 • Up to the client to decide its worth to them

What we learned

• Project management is not easy• There are better ways to do things• Project useability is key to its success• Small things can be time consuming• Feedback works wonders• Document repositories are great • Security should be considered

Questions