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Drawing Application For Builders

Category

GIS Development

Project size

50 MMs

Industry

Construction & Urban Planning

Technologies
  • Frontend: ReactJS, Leaflet
  • Backend: Node.js, NoSQL
Scope of work

Full-stack Development


About the project

 This case, BHSOFT worked with an Australian-based company that provides solutions for the construction industry. The client operates a cloud-based platform designed to help builders and construction professionals plan and visualize their designs for homes, pools, buildings, and other construction areas. This project aimed to develop a GIS-enabled drawing tool integrated into the existing platform, allowing users to create, edit, and customize construction site plans directly on an interactive map.

The tool was built to leverage geospatial data and provide an easy-to-use interface for builders to plan construction layouts, measure areas, and manipulate shapes. The platform utilizes Leaflet for efficient handling of GeoJSON data and delivering dynamic, interactive map functionalities.

The client needed a GIS solution that could be seamlessly integrated into their existing platform. The key requirements were:


  • Custom Drawing Tool: The ability for users to draw and modify shapes (such as polygons) on an interactive map to plan construction areas.
  • Geospatial Integration: Integration with GeoJSON data to manage and display geospatial features, allowing for advanced map-based interactions and visualizations.
  • Customization: A tool that would allow users to edit, rotate, and resize polygons, as well as change attributes like color, line style, and weight.
  • Guidelines and Snapping: Users needed the ability to create guidelines and snap shapes to 90-degree angles or nearby objects for accurate design alignment.
  • Curved Lines and Shape Flexibility: Users should be able to create curved lines and modify shapes to fit their design needs.

While the project proceeded smoothly, several challenges were faced during development:


  • Geospatial Data Handling: The project required efficient processing and rendering of complex geospatial data. Handling this data in real-time while ensuring the platform remains performant was a critical challenge.
  • Integrating GIS with Existing Platform: The GIS tool had to integrate seamlessly with the existing platform, ensuring compatibility with the client’s current system architecture.
  • User Interface Design: Ensuring the drawing tool was intuitive, especially for non-technical users, was key to ensuring the tool’s adoption and usability.




BHSOFT utilized a structured development approach to create a seamless and efficient GIS solution:

  • Technology Selection: The team selected Leaflet due to its compatibility with GeoJSON data and its ease of integration with existing systems. Leaflet’s lightweight nature was ideal for handling the map interactions and rendering geospatial data in real-time.
  • Front-End Development: The user interface was built using ReactJS, ensuring a responsive, dynamic, and interactive experience for users. The map and drawing tools were integrated into the platform to allow users to interact with and manipulate shapes directly on the map.
  • Backend Development: The backend was built using Node.js and NoSQL, providing scalability and performance for managing large datasets and geospatial features. The backend architecture ensured smooth integration with the front-end drawing tool.
  • GIS Features Implementation: The drawing tool was developed to allow users to:
    • Create and Edit Polygons: Users could draw polygons with precise measurements, modify their size, and display area information.
    • Customize Shape Properties: Users could control various attributes of shapes, including color, line type, and weight.
    • Snapping and Guidelines: Snapping functionality was implemented to ensure accurate alignment of shapes and easy creation of right-angled designs.
    • Curved Lines and Flexibility: The tool enabled the creation of curved lines, offering users the flexibility to design complex layouts.

The project was successfully delivered, meeting the client’s requirements for a comprehensive GIS solution. Key outcomes include:

  • Efficient Design Planning: The drawing tool allowed builders to create detailed and accurate site plans directly on an interactive map, enhancing the planning process.
  • Enhanced Geospatial Integration: The seamless integration with GeoJSON data enabled real-time interactions with the map, making the platform both efficient and highly responsive.
  • Improved User Experience: The user interface, built using ReactJS, ensured that users could interact with the tool intuitively, even without prior technical expertise.
  • Customizable Features: The ability to edit, rotate, and manipulate shapes, combined with snapping and guideline features, provided builders with the tools needed to design precise construction layouts.
  • Scalability: The platform was designed to scale, allowing future updates and additional features as the client’s needs grow.

The integration of a GIS-enabled drawing tool significantly enhanced the client’s platform, making it easier for construction professionals to plan and customize their construction designs in a user-friendly environment.

Key Features of the Application

  • Interactive Drawing Tool: Users can create, modify, and interact with shapes on an interactive map, including polygons, curved lines, and custom shapes.
  • Geospatial Data Integration: Full integration with GeoJSON data for seamless map interactions.
  • Customizable Design: Options to control shape attributes, including color, line style, and size, for more detailed and accurate design planning.
  • Snapping and Guidelines: Features to snap shapes to 90-degree angles and nearby objects, ensuring precise design alignment.
  • Real-Time Interaction: The tool offers real-time editing and visualization, allowing users to see changes instantly.