Android Studio Project Directories
HelpMeFind: Campus Resource Compass
Author: Tyler Johnston
Aesthetic Updates and Maps View: Tyler Johnston
App Skeleton and Wayfinder Compass Logic: Samuel Moon
Firebase and Administrator Portal: Aidan Monty
Tools: Android Studio Java Google Maps API Firebase
Date Posted: 01/06/2022
Application Demo:
Administrator Portal Demo:
Project Description:
HelpMeFind was developed to complement static campus maps which show student/faculty resources. When using our app, you'll be guided by compass towards a specific resource of your choosing. You may then offer feedback once you've arrived.
Welcome Activity
The welcome screen is our landing page for the app, designed to visually allude to our app's purpose. No work is done, and no permission requests are made at this point.
FilterSearch Activity
Here, users choose what types of resources to display and the search radius distance. These selections are used to query the Firestore database for a list of resources, which get passed to MapView. Location permissions requests are made here to get the user’s current location.
MapView Activity
The MapView activity displays the resources of the type(s) selected within the radius chosen in FilterSearch. The radius selected also controls the zoom on the Map. The resources and the user’s current location are displayed as custom Google Maps markers with their type above. When a user selects a resource, the color changes from red to green and the bottom navigator adds a “Select” option.
Wayfinder/Compass Activity
In the Wayfinder Activity, an arrow points towards the selected resource whose name is displayed at the top of the user’s screen. When GPS location is updated the distance from the resource is displayed below the navigation arrow. Once a user is within 65 feet of the given resource’s GPS coordinates the distance text changes to “The resource should be in the building in front of you!” By selecting the “Arrived” icon in the bottom navigator a user is taken to the Feedback activity.
Feedback Activity
In the Feedback Activity a user is asked to report whether the resource is inaccessible or unavailable, with space for explanation. This feedback can then be used by an administrator on the website to remove invalid resources from the database. The user can also add any additional feedback on the resource in the next text area. They have the option to either submit feedback or return to the FilterSearch activity.
Administrative Site
This is a web-based tool to allow administrators to interact with the Firestore database. Here an administrator can add a new resource, decline or accept new user comments, and resolve critical problems on resources reported by users. The administrator can also remove resources from the database.
For a full writeup, see our project poster.