FINAL YEAR PROJECT

CHAPTER ONE

DEVELOPMENT OF A CAMPUS NAVIGATION SYSTEM FOR AJAYI

EZEUKWU CHUKWUDUMEBI

20N02028

DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCE

SUPERVISOR

DR. O.S OJO

AJAYI CROWTHER UNIVERSITY, OYO, OYO STATE.

MARCH, 2024
 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of Study

Navigating a university campus can often be a daunting task, especially for

individuals new to the environment such as incoming students, faculty, staff, and visitors who

may not be familiar with the layout. Traditional methods of navigation, such as paper maps or

static signage, often prove inadequate due to their limitations in providing real-time updates

and interactive features (Lippincott, 2015). This can result in frustration and inefficiency

when trying to locate specific buildings or navigate through complex pathways on campus.

However, the advent of mobile technology has introduced a promising solution to this

challenge through the development of user-friendly campus map applications. These

applications leverage the capabilities of smartphones to offer an interactive and convenient

means of navigation. Users can easily locate buildings, navigate walkways, and access

relevant information about points of interest on campus directly from their mobile devices.

In recent years, the proliferation of smartphones and the widespread availability of mobile

apps have transformed the way people navigate and interact with their surroundings

(Morimoto and Kuroda, 2016). Recognizing the potential of this technology, universities

worldwide have begun to invest in the development of mobile map applications tailored to

their campuses. By harnessing the power of mobile technology, these applications aim to

enhance the overall experience of students, faculty, staff, and visitors by providing them with

a seamless navigation experience (Wei et al., 2019).

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1.2 Statement of the Problem

Ajayi Crowther University (ACU) currently faces a navigation dilemma due to the

absence of a dedicated mobile map app, which presents challenges for the university

community. The lack of a comprehensive digital map poses a significant challenge in

grasping the spatial organization of buildings, facilities, and landmarks on campus,

particularly for newcomers. This absence of visual aid complicates navigation and orientation

for students, staff, and visitors alike, making it difficult to locate specific destinations such as

buildings, departments, or points of interest. This situation not only impedes productivity and

efficiency but also hinders the dissemination of crucial updates about campus events, road

closures, or building accessibility, further exacerbating potential miscommunication and

inconvenience for all members of the campus community.

To address these challenges, implementing a comprehensive digital mapping system

coupled with a centralized platform accessible via mobile devices is imperative. This solution

would provide users with detailed and up-to-date maps of the campus layout, facilitating easy

navigation and orientation for newcomers and regular campus users alike. Additionally,

integrating features for locating specific destinations and accessing real-time information

about campus events, closures, and accessibility would greatly enhance productivity and

communication efficiency. By investing in such a solution, the campus community can

mitigate the frustrations associated with navigation and ensure smoother operations,

ultimately enhancing the overall campus experience for everyone involved.

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1.3 Aim and Objectives

This aim of the project is to develop a campus navigation system. The objectives are to:

1. Design a mobile app with an intuitive and accessible user interface for easy

navigation.

2. Integrate interactive mapping functionalities with detailed campus layout information.

3. Implement search and navigation tools in the mobile application to facilitate efficient

wayfinding.

4. Evaluate the performance of the system using user feedback, tracking metrics such as

user satisfaction, navigation accuracy, and app responsiveness.

1.4 Significance of the Study

The development of a user-friendly mobile map app for ACU offers significant

advantages to various stakeholders. For students, the app enhances navigation, saving time

and reducing stress when finding classrooms, laboratories, and libraries, while also

facilitating social integration through access to campus events and activities. Faculty and staff

stand to benefit from increased productivity, as the app simplifies navigation and time

management, allowing them to focus more on their academic and administrative duties.

Visitors, including prospective students, parents, alumni, and guests, will appreciate smoother

navigation, potentially influencing enrollment and support by fostering a positive impression

of the university. Moreover, for university administration, the app serves as a crucial

communication channel, facilitating the dissemination of essential information and updates to

the entire university community. Furthermore, the app's usage analytics can provide valuable

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insights into campus traffic patterns and user preferences, informing future decision-making

and resource allocation.

1.5 Scope of the Study

This project is dedicated to crafting a mobile map app tailored specifically for the

ACU campus. The endeavor encompasses various stages, beginning with user research and

requirements gathering to inform the app's design and functionality. Following this, a

prototype or minimum viable product (MVP) of the mobile map app will be developed,

integrating essential features such as interactive mapping, search functionality, navigation

tools, and information display. Subsequently, rigorous testing and refinement will ensure

usability, performance, and accessibility across different devices and user demographics.

Finally, the app will be deployed to relevant app stores or distribution channels, accompanied

by appropriate marketing and promotion efforts to encourage adoption and usage.

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 CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Definition and Purpose of Navigation Systems

Navigation refers to the method of determining aspects such as position, speed, and

direction during travel. In the pre-modern era, direction and position were determined using

an altazimuth, a compass, and a map; these are now considered primitive forms of navigation.

As a result of modern developments in science and technology, exact positions and speeds

are determined using equipment such as artificial satellites, global navigation satellite system

(GNSS), inertial navigation systems (INS), etc. In the modern sense, navigation is mechanical

devices equipped in ground vehicles, ships, and aircraft to determine their positions

(Junghyun Lee, 2018).

Take a moment and imagine you're on a vast, unfamiliar terrain. All you have is a map and a

compass. Attempting to figure out your location and deciding where to go next can be a

daunting task. Luckily for you, modern technology brings you comprehensive navigation

systems. To put it simply, a navigation system is a device that uses GPS (Global Positioning

System) to provide directions. Location data from numerous satellites are received, and these

systems utilize algorithms to calculate the accurate position of the user. Navigation systems

are used to pinpoint a user's location and direct them from one place to another. They use

built-in compasses, digital maps, and satellite signals to deliver precise real-time directions to

both explorers and travelers (Junghyun Lee, 2018).

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Navigation systems serve multiple functions, including containing maps displayed in human-

readable formats, determining a vehicle's location through sensors or external sources,

offering directions to human operators, and providing guidance to autonomous vehicles.

Additionally, they can offer information on nearby vehicles, hazards, traffic conditions, and

even perform simultaneous localization and mapping, as well as specialized tasks like

acoustic positioning for underwater navigation (Junghyun Lee, 2018).

The evolution of navigation systems traces back to significant milestones. One such

breakthrough was the introduction of the first in-car navigation system available to

consumers in 1985, known as Etak Navigation. Developed by engineer Stan Honey under the

company Etak, it revolutionized navigation by streaming digitized maps to the navigation

system via special tape cassettes. Interestingly, the maps themselves became more valuable

than the navigation system. The iconic car display used in Etak Navigation was based on

Atari, Inc.'s Asteroids spaceship, showcasing the fusion of technology and innovation

(Wikipedia, 2024).

2.1.1 Historical Development and Major Mile Stones

The foundation of today’s advanced Navigation Systems roots back to early human

history. In your quest to understand the technical world of Navigation Systems, it's crucial to

peer into its historical development. Like all great inventions, the evolution of these systems

has been a journey, starting from basic methods employed by ancient sailors to the high-tech,

satellite-based solutions we witness today. Navigation, essentially the science of getting from

one place to another, has been a fundamental human activity since time immemorial. Prior to

the era of advanced technology, early humans depended on simple, natural signs for

navigation. Early people used the stars, the Sun, and other celestial bodies for orientation

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during their explorations. They noted landmarks, monitored wind direction and observed

wildlife to guide their journeys. Such forms of navigation, though elementary in the present

perspective, were instrumental in human survival and progress (Navigation Systems:

Definition, History & Examples, n.d.)

As societies evolved and seafaring became important, especially for trade and exploration,

more sophisticated forms of navigation began to emerge. Sailors in ancient times relied on

Dead Reckoning - a method where the current location was estimated by using a previously

determined position, and applying factors such as speed, time elapsed, and course. These

sailors also used simple tools such as the cross-staff, a device to measure the angular distance

between two visible objects, which helped them gauge their latitude (Navigation Systems:

Definition, History & Examples, n.d.).

The great age of exploration from the 15th to the 17th centuries necessitated improvement in

navigation techniques. This led to the creation of many nautical charts and the invention of

advanced tools like the quadrant and astrolabe. The exploration of the New World by

Europeans, especially the voyages of Christopher Columbus, benefited immensely from these

developments in navigation. The pivotal milestone in the evolution of navigation systems was

the invention of the magnetic compass and the chronometer. The latter proved revolutionary

in sea navigation, allowing the calculation of longitude - an ever-elusive measurement until

the 18th century (Navigation Systems: Definition, History & Examples, n.d.).

However, despite these advancements, pre-modern navigation remained an imperfect science.

Limited to optical sightings and dead reckoning, it was vulnerable to miscalculations and was

adversely affected by weather conditions. The modern age brought an entirely different scope

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for navigation. The 20th century saw the rise of electronic navigation, which shifted the

paradigm of conventional navigation methods. Radio-based navigation systems like LORAN

(Long Range Navigation) and the British Decca, developed during World War II, gained

prominence. LORAN, a groundbreaking system, relied on the time delay between signals

received from multiple stations to determine location information. This system, although

reliant on favorable atmospheric conditions and competent operating skill, proved to be a

significant leap towards automated navigation (Navigation Systems: Definition, History &

Examples, n.d.).

The true game-changer came with the onset of satellite-based navigation. The Global

Positioning System (GPS), developed by the US Department of Defense, revolutionized the

navigation landscape. Initiated in the 1970s and fully operational by 1995, GPS is now

integral to almost all modern navigation systems. It can accurately provide geographical

position anytime, anywhere, regardless of weather conditions (Navigation Systems:

Definition, History & Examples, n.d.).

Diving deeper into the realm of Navigation Systems, you'll encounter examples spanning

from age-old techniques to modern marvels of technology. These examples showcase the

evolution of navigation techniques from relying on natural indicators and simple tools to the

sophisticated technology-packed systems you see today. This wide spectrum of navigation

systems exemplifies humans' continuous quest for advancement in exploration.

Classic examples of Navigation Systems

1. Astrolabe: This ingenious device was developed by the Greeks around 200 BC. The

handheld device was used to measure the angle between a celestial body and the

horizon, which helped interpret the body's altitude and subsequently the latitude.

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 2. Lodestone Compass: Originating from China, it used the characteristic of magnetite

(lodestone) to point towards magnetic north and served as an early prototype of a

magnetic compass.

3. Celestial Navigation: Ancient sailors often used the stars, Sun, Moon and planets to

determine their position. Tools like the sextant were used to measure the angle

between a celestial body and the horizon, providing a reading for latitude.

4. Dead Reckoning: Predominantly associated with early seafaring, it involved keeping

a record of the direction and distance travelled from a known point, allowing the user

to estimate their current position.

These traditional forms of navigation were paramount for ancient explorers but were

subjected to limitations such as visibility conditions, mathematical complexities and

geographical inaccuracies (Navigation Systems: Definition, History & Examples, n.d.).

Modern examples of Navigation Systems

Today, you benefit from various sophisticated Navigation Systems that offer greater

accuracy, reliability and convenience compared to traditional methods. With the

technological advancements of the digital age, these systems have become integral in many

sectors like transportation, aviation, maritime, hiking and more. Some prime examples

include:

1. Global Positioning System (GPS): First fully operational in 1995, GPS technology

utilizes a network of satellites to provide real-time location data. Primarily developed

by the US Department of Defense, it is the most common type of satnav system.

2. Inertial Navigation System (INS): An autonomous system that uses measurements

provided by accelerometers and gyroscopes to calculate an object's position, velocity,

and orientation.

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 3. Augmented Reality (AR) Navigation: A recent development that uses Augmented

Reality technology to overlay navigation directions onto real-world imagery,

enhancing the navigational experience.

2.1.2 Current Technologies in Use

Navigation systems provide the optimized route from one location to another. It is

mainly assisted by external technologies such as Global Positioning System (GPS) and

satellite-based radio navigation systems. GPS has many advantages such as high accuracy,

available anywhere, reliable, and self-calibrated. However, GPS is limited to outdoor

operations. The practice of combining different sources of data to improve the overall

outcome is commonly used in various domains. GIS is already integrated with GPS to

provide the visualization and realization aspects of a given location. Internet of things (IoT) is

a growing domain, where embedded sensors are connected to the Internet and so IoT

improves existing navigation systems and expands its capabilities. This chapter proposes a

framework based on the integration of GPS, GIS, IoT, and mobile communications to provide

a comprehensive and accurate navigation solution. In the next section, we outline the

limitations of GPS, and then we describe the integration of GIS, smartphones, and GPS to

enable its use in mobile applications (Domb, 2020).

1. GPS( Global Positioning System)

2. GPS and GIS Integration

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 A geographic information system (GIS) is a system designed to capture, store,

manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of geographical data. Many

electronic navigation systems deliver its road-guiding instructions using just verbal

commands referring to the associated electronic map displayed to the user. This

approach assumes the user familiarity with street maps and road networks, which

sometimes is not so. In addition, there are places where street maps are not commonly

used and instead landmarks are used allowing the intuitive navigation by recognizable

and memoizable views along the route.

The introduction of buildings as landmarks together with corresponding spoken

instructions is a step towards a more natural navigation. The integration of GPS and

GIS provides this capability. The main problem lies in identifying suitable landmarks

and evaluating their usefulness for navigation instructions. Existing databases can

help to tackle this problem and be an integrated part of most navigation applications.

For example GPS, GIS, and accelerometer data were used to collect data of trips and

proposed a prediction model for transportation modes with high correction rate

(Brondeel, 2015).

A logistics distribution manager (LDM) software and a smart machine (SM) system

was developed and It is based on fusing GPS, GIS, Big Data, Internet+, and other

technologies to effectively apply its attributes and benefits for achieving a robust

information management system for the logistics industry. The resulting logistics

facility has shorter distribution time, improved operational competitiveness, optimized

the workflow of the logistics distribution efficiency, and saved cost. These examples

demonstrate the level of improvements we can expect by integrating GPS and GIS as

well as the IoT, mobile phones, and other current technologies (Zexue Li, 2018).

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3. GPS and Mobile Phone Integration

GPS positions provided via phone are generated using multiple different

methods, resulting in highly variable performance. Performance depends on the

smartphone attributes, the cell network, availability of GPS satellites, and line of sight

to these satellites. The time from turning on the smartphone to getting GPS

coordinates is relatively long. To accelerate it, a variety of techniques got used. Some

phones have incomplete GPS hardware, requiring a cell network to function. The

quality of the GPS antenna determines the duration until the device will get a lock.

For example, the S3 Mini device has relatively good GPS hardware, including

GLONASS and A-GPS support (Domb, 2020).

4. Urban vehicles navigation

Urban canyons, sky blockage, and multipath errors affect the quality and

accuracy of GNSS/GPS. Public transportation in modern cities may have hundreds of

routes and thousands of bus stops, exchange points, and busses. These two factors

make urban bus systems hard to follow and complex to navigate. Mobile applications

provide passengers with transport planning tools and find the optimal route, next bus

number, arrival time, and ride duration. More advanced applications provide also

micro-navigation-based decisions, such as current position and bus number, the

number of stops left till arrival, and exchange to a better route (Domb, 2020).

Micro-navigation decisions are highly contextual and depend not just on time and

location but also on the user’s current transport mode, waiting for a bus or riding on a

bus. Emerging technology is where accuracy and robustness are critical requirements

for safe guidance and stable control. GNSS accuracy can be significantly improved

using several techniques such as differential GNSS (DGNSS), augmented GNSS, and

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precise positioning services (PPS). These techniques add complexity and additional

cost. Multi-constellation GNSS also enhances the accuracy by increasing the number

of visible satellites. In dense urban areas where high buildings are common, the

geometry of visible satellites often results into high uncertainty in the vehicle’s GNSS

position estimate resulting in performance in dense urban areas still being challenging

(Domb, 2020). Examples of urban vehicles navigation;

i. Bus navigation using embedded Wi-Fi and a smartphone application: Urban

Bus Navigator (UBN) integrates Wi-Fi-enabled buses with passengers'

smartphones for real-time journey information, featuring semantic bus ride

detection for continuous dynamic rerouting and end-to-end guidance, utilizing

Wi-Fi-based recognition and GPS for trip monitoring and dynamic replanning.

ii. GNSS/IMU sensor fusion scheme: This urban navigation system uses a map-

aided adaptive fusion scheme to detect and correct GNSS errors caused by tall

buildings, employing dead-reckoning, robust map-matching algorithms, and a

hidden Markov model to estimate the current active map segment and enhance

position accuracy, proven effective in complex intersections and varied noise

conditions (Chipka and Campbell, 2018).

iii. Navigation based on compass-based navigation control law: Autonomous

driving in urban contexts is a tricky circumstance. The suggested method

enables self-navigating on city streets with little assistance from a GPS or pre-

existing map. The Kalman filter is augmented with odometry, compass, and

sparse landmark measurement updates to achieve localization. A navigation

control law based on a compass is used to navigate. Experiments verify

simulated results and show that an expected range can be obtained for a given

success rate under specific conditions. The architecture integrates a navigation

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 algorithm with sensors for real-time control, including steering and speed

controllers, an object tracker, a path generator, and a pose estimator. High-

level localization relies on sparse map-based observations, odometry, and

compass measurements. Computer vision techniques produce sparse map-

based measurements, enabling comparison with raw camera images. Road

scene features inform the navigation algorithm, which determines the optimal

path based on scene data and inertial pose estimates, guided by a compass-

based strategy (Chipka and Campbell, 2018).

5. Space Navigation System

Common navigation technologies assume navigation on a surface with two-

dimension (2D), flat land area. Navigation in three-dimension (3D) is much more

complicated requiring at least new technologies to complement the existing 2D

navigation technologies.

i. Autonomous navigation of micro aerial vehicles: This section outlines a low-

computational state estimator technique that allows tiny aerial vehicles to fly

autonomously. Using a basic computational unit, all estimate and control

duties are completed in real time on board. An optical flow smart camera, a

time-of-flight range sensor, and an inertial measurement unit provide

observations that are combined to form the state estimator. Optical flow

measurements and odometry estimation are provided by the smart camera,

eliminating the requirement for image processing and making it useful for

several-minute flights. Based on the estimated state of the vehicle, a nonlinear

controller operating in the special Euclidean group SE(3) may drive a

quadrotor platform in 3D space, ensuring the asymptotic stability of 3D

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 position and heading. The method's validity is confirmed by simulations and

experimental findings (Santamaria-Navarro et al., 2017).

ii. Vision-based navigation for micro helicopters: A vision-based navigation

system was developed for micro helicopters operating in large and unknown

environments. It is based on vision-based methods and a sensor fusion

approach for state estimation and sensor self-calibration of sensors and with

their different availability during flight. This is enabled by an onboard camera,

real-time motion sensor, and vision algorithms. It renders the camera and an

onboard multi-sensor fusion framework capable to estimate at the same time

the vehicle’s pose and the inter-sensor calibration for continuous operation. It

runs at linear time to the number of key frames captured in a previously visited

area. To maintain constant computational complexity, improve performance,

and increase scalability and reliability, the computationally expensive vision

part is replaced by the final calculated camera pose (Weiss, 2012).

iii. Space navigation using formation flying tiny satellites: Traditional space

positioning and navigation are based on large satellites flying in a semi-fixed

orbit and so are costly and less flexible. Recent developments of low-mass,

low-power navigation sensors and the popularity of smaller satellites, a new

approach of having many tiny spacecrafts flying in clusters under controlled

configurations utilizing its cumulative power to perform necessary

assignments. To keep stable but changeable configurations, positioning,

attitude, and intersatellite navigation are used. For the determination of

relative position and attitude between the formation flying satellites, Carrier-

phase differential GPS (CDGPS) is used, where range coefficients, GPS

differential corrections, and other data are exchanged among spacecrafts,

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 enhancing the precision of the ranging and navigation functions. The CDGPS

communicates the NAVSTAR GPS constellation to provide precise measures

of the relative attitude, the positions between vehicles, and attitude in the

formation.

6. Pedestrian navigation systems

Pedestrian navigation services enable people to retrieve precise instructions to

reach a specific location. As the spatial behavior of people on foot differs in many

ways from the driver’s performance, common concepts for car navigation services are

not suitable for pedestrian navigation. Cars use paved roads with clear borderlines and

road signs, and so keeping the car on track is its main role, neglecting obstacles and

hazards, unless it is integrated with a social network. However, pedestrians, unlike

like cars, may not follow the defined road. This makes personal navigation more

complicated and forces us adding special features required for safe navigation.

Pedestrian navigation requires very accurate, high-resolution, and real-time response

[10]. Solely GPS does not support last moment route changes, such as road detours,

significant obstacles, and safety requirements. However, integrating the IoT and GPS

via an application generates a solution providing accurate and safe navigation. To

enable it, a two-stage personal navigation system is used. In the first stage, the trail is

photographed by a navigated drown, and the resulting video is saved in a cloud

database. In the second stage, a mobile application is loaded to the pedestrian’s

mobile phone. Once the pedestrian is about to walk, it activates the mobile application

which synchronizes itself with the cloud navigation database, and then instructions

from the mobile phone guide the pedestrian along the trail-walk. A more advanced

system contains the two stages within the mobile application. The mobile video

camera is activated and captures the trail images in front of the pedestrian, processes

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 it, and guides the pedestrian accordingly. In case of an upcoming obstacle, the

application proposes the safest and most effective detour and guides the pedestrian

accordingly.

7. Indoor navigation technologies

Indoor navigation systems became popular due to the lack of GPS signals

indoors and the increase in navigation needs especially in small areas, such as parking

garages and huge complex of buildings. Several indoors navigation systems have

already been implemented. Each of them is based on a different technology that

complies with the specific requirements and constraints of the location it is expected

to navigate in. We assume that each solution has technical and usability limitations. It

helps tracking objects by using wireless concepts, optical tracking, ultrasound

techniques, sensors, infrared (IR), ultra-wide band (UWB), Wireless Local Area

Networks (WLANs), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, radio frequency identification (RFID),

assisted GPS (A-GPS), and more. Most solutions have limited capabilities, accuracy,

unreliability, design complexity, low security, and high configuration costs.

8. Obstacle avoidance navigation systems

A comprehensive automated navigation system must incorporate effective

tools for detecting road obstacles and instantly propose the optimal alternate route

bypassing the detected obstacle. It combines optimal route finding, real-time route

inspection, and route adjustments to ensure safe navigation. The following are three

examples utilizing advanced technologies such as computer vision, fuzzy logic, and

context-aware.

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2.2 Geographic Information System (GIS)

A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer system for capturing, storing,

checking, and displaying data related to positions on Earth’s surface. By relating seemingly

unrelated data, GIS can help individuals and organizations better understand spatial patterns

and relationships. GIS technology is a crucial part of spatial data infrastructure, which the

White House defines as “the technology, policies, standards, human resources, and related

activities necessary to acquire, process, distribute, use, maintain, and preserve spatial data.”

GIS can use any information that includes location. The location can be expressed in many

different ways, such as latitude and longitude, address, or ZIP code. Many different types of

information can be compared and contrasted using GIS. The system can include data about

people, such as population, income, or education level. It can include information about the

landscape, such as the location of streams, different kinds of vegetation, and different kinds

of soil. It can include information about the sites of factories, farms, and schools, or storm

drains, roads, and electric power lines.

With GIS technology, people can compare the locations of different things in order to

discover how they relate to each other. For example, using GIS, a single map could include

sites that produce pollution, such as factories, and sites that are sensitive to pollution, such as

wetlands and rivers. Such a map would help people determine where water supplies are most

at risk.

2.2.1 Roles of Geographic Information System (GIS)

Geographic Information System (GIS) plays a pivotal role in modern-day spatial

analysis and decision-making across various fields. As a powerful tool for capturing, storing,

analyzing, and visualizing geographical data, GIS facilitates the understanding of complex

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relationships between geographic features and phenomena. By integrating layers of

information such as terrain, population distribution, land use, and environmental factors, GIS

enables users to derive meaningful insights, make informed decisions, and solve spatial

problems efficiently. Whether utilized in urban planning, environmental management,

disaster response, or market analysis, GIS empowers professionals to harness the spatial

dimension of data, driving innovation and enhancing efficiency in a multitude of sectors. This

introductory paragraph merely scratches the surface of the multifaceted roles and applications

of GIS in today's interconnected world. GIS serves many roles, let’s delve into each of these

roles in detail, beginning with GIS in transportation (Panamaldeniya, 2021).

1. GIS FOR TRANSPORTATION

As almost every field of life, GIS can help in achieving excellence in

transportation as well. It significantly aids in planning, monitoring and managing

complex systems involved in transportation planning and management more

effectively. GIS helps in determining capacity enhancements, improving operations,

and identifying the most strategic investments for keeping the transportation system in

any country running optimally. Let’s understand how we can use GIS in

transportation for better management of road infrastructure. The use of GIS in

transportation is widespread. The major areas of applications include highway

maintenance, traffic modelling, accident analysis, and route planning (Panamaldeniya,

2021).

a. GIS in Highway Management

Highway maintenance management is a critical issue, which can be

better harnessed using GIS. Authorities in many developed countries now

actively use GIS for highways and transport management, mainly due to

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 the benefits of falling costs and increasing ease. The most important

objective of using GIS is visualization achieved through maps. With

visualization of real-time data, transport planners can easily identify potential

issues that can be addressed more efficiently and economically than with the

prevailing methods. Through detailed GIS maps, this information can be easily

conveyed to decision-makers and the public. For instance, Esri ’s mobile

GIS technology allows transportation maintenance and inspection crews to

save time when collecting and updating information from remote locations. By

using GPS and GIS-enabled devices, field crews accurately collect

information from the field and seamlessly update corporate databases located

in the office in real time. Through GPS and Esri technology, officials can track

resources and assets in real time, allowing a quick response to any event that

requires immediate attention. They can also more effectively manage mobile

resources by instantly seeing the location of any work or inspection crew on a

map, then redeploy resources as needed. Significant productivity gains are

achievable by optimizing scheduling and routing maintenance and inspection

teams, which not only boosts productivity but also results in significant fuel

savings. The integration of work order management system, routing, and

scheduling software allows modern highway managers to direct their mobile

workforces and ensure that resources are most effectively utilized more

efficiently (Panamaldeniya, 2021).

b. GIS In Transportation (Traffic Modelling)

GIS in traffic modelling, GIS data can also be transformed into

functional road models for large-scale traffic simulation. GIS data can model

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 road networks around the world as polylines with attributes. Roadmaps from

the GIS database can be extrapolated to automatically create

geometrically correct and topologically consistent 3D models of large-scale

road networks to be readily used in a real-time traffic simulation, interactive

visualization of the virtual world, and autonomous vehicle navigation. The

resulting model representation could also provide important road features

for traffic simulations, including smoothly connected ramps, highways,

overpasses, legal merge zones, and intersections.

c. GIS in Accident Analysis

Traffic accidents are one of the more important national and

international issues, and their consequences are important for the political,

economic, and social level in a country. Management of traffic accident

information requires information systems with analytical and accessibility

capabilities to spatial and descriptive data. GIS delivers powerful spatial

analytics, allowing the authorities to discover patterns and gain intelligence to

better understand travel behaviors and perform accident analysis. GIS

significantly helps in accident analysis and leads to a reduction in the number

of accidents on roads as well. GIS allows a more careful and accurate data

selection, screening, and reduction. Also, it allows a spatial analysis of the

results in pre- and post-processing. It allows the development of spatial

statistics that rely on geographically referenced data. For instance, through the

analysis of accident history, a transportation firm can identify significant

safety issues and determine areas where measures can be taken to reduce the

number of incidents. GIS can also allow the user to choose two months of

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 accidents for comparison. The statistics can be useful in displaying a decrease

in accidents over a period.

d. GIS in Route Planning

Route planning is an important application within transportation.

Hurdles on routes can lead to unnecessary delays and losses. It is in favor of

all businesses and people to know in advance which route is the best to follow.

This knowledge can help in saving time and essentially gaining the best

cost/benefit ratio. GIS-based systems quickly provide and analyze essential

economic, demographic, and cost estimates for planning new routes. It helps

in analyzing existing routes, collecting data, and informing the riders of

change to routes. Route planning is also applied as a part of location planning,

analyzing catchment areas for different sites, calculating overall drive-times to

and from the site, maximizing potential customer inflow and ensuring best

possible accessibility. Managing modern roadways is a complex affair. From

computerized traffic control systems and incident and safety management

systems to effective capital improvement planning and maintenance activities,

transportation planners must draw on a wide array of technologies to

effectively manage today’s roadways. GIS can help transportation planners

to integrate agency-wide information to achieve better operational

efficiencies and results. By bringing in GIS in transportation, higher efficiency

can be achieved in the entire the infrastructure lifecycle—from planning and

design through survey and construction management to operations and

maintenance. GIS helps in mitigating woes, both for the travelers and the

planners. As the travelers get to know about the best routes for their

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 destinations, transportation professionals get equipped with enhanced ability

to manage their infrastructure.

2. GIS FOR ENVIRONMENT

Perhaps the most important concern for all of us today is protecting the

environment we live and breathe in. Climate change issues are creating havoc with

erratic weather patterns affecting everything from crop production to untimely

melting of ice glaciers. There is a lot to worry about and immediate action is required.

It’s not that the world has not geared up to take corrective actions, but we need to do

more, and GIS can help us achieve that. GIS is a powerful tool. It is enabling every

sector to perform better, and the environment is no exception. Human activities and

global warming are rapidly contributing to environmental degradation, decreasing

glacier area, growth in glacial lake size, unprecedented rainfall, changes in land use

and land cover, forest degradation, floods and glacial lake outburst floods, landslides,

and shortfalls in agricultural crop production are among the many problems brought

on by environmental changes. These issues need timely monitoring and supervision.

Effective monitoring of the environment and an improved understanding of the

same requires valuable information and data that can be extracted through

application of geospatial technologies such as remote sensing and GIS. GIS can be

used most effectively for environmental data analysis and planning. It allows better

viewing and understanding physical features and the relationships that influence in

each critical environmental condition. Factors, such as steepness of slopes, aspects,

and vegetation, can be viewed and overlaid to determine various environmental

parameters and impact analysis. GIS can also display and analyze aerial photographs.

Digital information can be overlaid on photographs to provide environmental data

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 analysts with more familiar views of landscapes and associated data. GIS can provide

a quick, comparative view of hazards (highly prone areas) and risks (areas of high risk

which may occur) and areas to be safeguarded. On completion of data analysis,

GIS can help in effective planning and managing the environmental hazards and

risks. To plan and monitor the environmental problems, the assessment of hazards and

risks becomes the foundation for planning decisions and for mitigation activities. GIS

supports activities in environmental assessment, monitoring, and mitigation and can

also be used for generating environmental models. GIS can aid in hazard mitigation

and future planning, air pollution & control, disaster management, forest fires

management, managing natural resources, wastewater management, oil spills and its

remedial actions etc.

Chapter Three

SYSTEM DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

The development of an effective campus navigation system requires a well-structured design

and a robust methodology to ensure seamless functionality, optimal performance, and an

engaging user experience. This chapter delves into the intricacies of the system design and

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the methodological approaches employed in the creation of the Ajayi Crowther University

(ACU) campus navigation mobile application.

The chapter commences by presenting an overview of the system architecture, outlining the

various components and their intricate interrelationships. It elucidates the technological stack

and tools utilized throughout the development process, providing insights into the rationale

behind their selection and their suitability for the project's requirements.

Furthermore, the chapter delves into the user interface design principles that guided the

creation of an intuitive and visually appealing application. It showcases wireframes and

prototypes that were instrumental in shaping the user experience, while also highlighting the

navigation flow and user-centric considerations that were factored into the design process.

Mapping integration, a critical aspect of any navigation system, is extensively explored. The

chapter details the map data sources and providers utilized, as well as the interactive mapping

features implemented to enhance user engagement. Additionally, it elucidates the techniques

employed for map customization and styling, ensuring a seamless integration with the

application's overall aesthetic.

Finally, the chapter emphasizes the significance of testing and quality assurance throughout

the development lifecycle. It outlines the various testing methodologies employed, including

unit testing, integration testing, user acceptance testing, and performance testing. This section

underscores the importance of rigorous testing in ensuring the application's reliability,

performance, and adherence to established quality standards.

3.2 System Architecture:

The campus navigation system for Ajayi Crowther University is designed with a modular and

scalable architecture that encompasses three primary components: the mobile application, the

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backend server, and the database. This architecture ensures efficient data management,

seamless communication, and flexibility for future enhancements.

3.2.1 Mobile Application

The mobile application serves as the primary interface for users, providing a user-friendly

and intuitive platform for campus navigation. Developed using a cross-platform framework

such as React Native or Flutter, the mobile app ensures compatibility across various mobile

operating systems, including iOS and Android. The app leverages the device's built-in GPS

and location services to provide real-time navigation and wayfinding capabilities.

3.2.2 Backend Server

The backend server acts as the central hub for data processing and management. Built using a

robust server-side technology like [Link] or Java, the server handles various tasks such as

data retrieval, processing user requests, and facilitating communication between the mobile

app and the database. It also incorporates APIs for integrating with third-party services, such

as mapping providers and data sources.

3.3.3 Database

The database serves as the persistent storage for all campus-related data, including building

information, points of interest, events, and user profiles (if applicable). A relational database

management system (RDBMS) like MySQL or PostgreSQL, or a NoSQL database like

MongoDB, can be employed to store and manage the data efficiently. The database schema is

designed to accommodate complex data structures and relationships, facilitating efficient data

retrieval and updates.

3.3.4 Communication and Data Flow

The mobile application communicates with the backend server through secure APIs, typically

using protocols like REST or GraphQL. When a user initiates a request, such as searching for

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a specific building or retrieving navigation directions, the mobile app sends a request to the

backend server. The server processes the request, retrieves the necessary data from the

database, and potentially integrates with third-party services (e.g., mapping providers) to

enrich the response.

The server then sends the processed data back to the mobile application, which renders the

information in a user-friendly format, such as an interactive map or a list of navigation

instructions. This communication flow ensures that the mobile application remains

lightweight and responsive, while offloading computationally intensive tasks to the backend

server.

3.3.5 Caching and Offline Functionality

To enhance performance and provide a seamless user experience, the mobile application can

implement caching mechanisms to store frequently accessed data locally on the device. This

reduces the need for frequent server requests and improves responsiveness, especially in

areas with poor network connectivity. Additionally, the application can incorporate offline

functionality, allowing users to access cached data and navigate the campus even when an

internet connection is not available.

3.3.6 Scalability and Extensibility

The modular nature of the system architecture allows for scalability and extensibility. As the

campus evolves or new features are required, the individual components can be updated or

extended without disrupting the entire system. For instance, the backend server can be scaled

horizontally by adding more instances to handle increased user traffic, or the database can be

migrated to a more powerful system as data volumes grow.

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MoBile App
Mobile App

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3.3 User Interface Design

The user interface (UI) design plays a crucial role in ensuring a seamless and intuitive

experience for users of the campus navigation system. A well-designed UI not only enhances

usability but also contributes to user satisfaction and engagement. This section outlines the

design principles, wireframes, prototypes, and user experience considerations that guided the

development of the mobile application's user interface.

Design Principles The UI design adheres to several fundamental principles to ensure an

optimal user experience:

1. Simplicity: The interface prioritizes simplicity and minimalism, avoiding unnecessary

clutter and complexity. This approach ensures that users can focus on their primary

tasks without being overwhelmed by excessive visual elements.

2. Consistency: Consistent layout, typography, and iconography are maintained

throughout the application, promoting a coherent and predictable experience for users.

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 3. Accessibility: The design considers accessibility guidelines and best practices,

ensuring that users with varying abilities, including those with visual or cognitive

impairments, can effectively navigate and interact with the application.

4. Responsiveness: The UI is designed to be responsive and adaptive, providing an

optimal experience across various device sizes and orientations.

5. Intuitive Navigation: The navigation structure is intuitive and follows established

patterns, making it easy for users to explore different features and functionalities

without confusion.

Wireframes and Prototypes Before the actual implementation, wireframes and prototypes

were created to visualize and test the user interface concepts. These low-fidelity and high-

fidelity mockups allowed for iterative refinement based on feedback from potential users and

stakeholders.

The wireframes focused on the overall layout, information architecture, and navigation flow,

ensuring that the essential components were logically organized and easily accessible.

Prototypes, on the other hand, provided a more interactive and realistic representation of the

final product, allowing for usability testing and refinement of specific UI elements and

interactions.

Navigation Flow and User Experience The navigation flow within the application was

meticulously designed to ensure a seamless and intuitive user experience. The primary

navigation options, such as searching for buildings or locations, accessing maps, and

exploring campus events or points of interest, are prominently displayed and easily accessible

from the main screen.

Gestures and animations are incorporated to enhance the overall experience, providing visual

feedback and creating a sense of fluidity as users navigate through different sections of the

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application. For example, smooth transitions and animations may be used when zooming or

panning the campus map, or when transitioning between different views or screens.

Additionally, the user interface incorporates contextual information and prompts to guide

users through specific tasks or workflows. For instance, when searching for a building, the

application may provide suggestions or autocomplete functionality to streamline the process.

Similarly, when navigating to a particular location, the application may offer step-by-step

directions or voice guidance to ensure users can easily follow the recommended route.

By adhering to established design principles, iterative prototyping, and a focus on seamless

navigation and user experience, the campus navigation system's user interface aims to

provide a delightful and efficient experience for users, enabling them to effortlessly explore

and navigate the Ajayi Crowther University campus.

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