UWTSD Applied Computing Blog

Project Title: Investigating the Technologies available for Guided Tours

The aim of the project was to build a University Tour Application that utilises location-based technologies to provide the user with locational information.

An application was made starting from the bottom up using Java and SQL Server through use of Java Database Connection (JDBC) for both a version 1 console application and a second implementation using a graphical user interface (GUI) that integrated images. The next stage would be to take this to Android Studio to create a mobile application.

The images below show a brief overview of the practical implementation. First, the image below shows the code to create the ‘Room’ database table:

Next, the code below shows data being added to the RoomUsage table.

The first version of the App below displays Room details, an image and QR code.

The image below shows the planned layout for the mobile app, to be developed with Android Studio:

Outcome & conclusion: I am pleased that a working application using JDBC that enables users to search for a room within the SA1 Campus was successfully built. This successfully broadcasts data in relation to the room such as the type of room it is, which department it is in, description of the hardware, equipment and software as well as timetabled sessions in that room. Going forward, my next iteration would be to get the app working in Android Studio and incorporate the use of QR codes via a mobile phone camera.

Top tip/advice for students completing a project:
The main bits of advice that I would give to students completing a project is to enjoy it, and to plan your time. You’ll be doing this project for a few months, so base it on something you enjoy or have a particular interest in. If you plan your workload carefully and correctly, you’ll do just fine. Work hard, take the advice from your supervisors, take time to complete each section, and I’m sure you’ll get the grade that you want. I wish you all the best!

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