How to Build a Customizable Surveyor's Dashboard

Simple Summary

A customizable dashboard for surveyors that streamlines data collection, visualization, and reporting, enhancing efficiency and accuracy in field work.

Product Requirements Document (PRD)

Goals:

• Develop a customizable dashboard for surveyors
• Improve efficiency in data collection and reporting
• Provide real-time visualization of survey data
• Ensure user-friendly interface for both novice and experienced surveyors

Target Audience:

• Professional surveyors
• Land management companies
• Construction firms
• Environmental agencies

Key Features:

1. Customizable dashboard widgets
2. Real-time data collection and sync
3. Interactive mapping and geolocation
4. Report generation and export
5. Team collaboration tools
6. Offline mode for remote areas
7. Integration with common surveying equipment

User Requirements:

• Ability to create and save custom dashboard layouts
• Mobile-friendly interface for field use
• Secure data storage and sharing
• Easy import/export of data in various formats
• Notification system for team updates and data changes

User Flows

1. Dashboard Customization:

   • User logs in
   • Selects "Customize Dashboard" option
   • Chooses widgets from available options
   • Arranges widgets on the dashboard
   • Saves custom layout

2. Field Data Collection:

   • User opens mobile app in the field
   • Selects project and survey type
   • Inputs data using forms or device sensors
   • Captures photos and geolocation
   • Syncs data when internet is available

3. Report Generation:

   • User selects "Generate Report" option
   • Chooses report type and data to include
   • Previews report
   • Exports report in desired format (PDF, CSV, etc.)

Technical Specifications

Frontend:

• React for web application
• React Native for mobile app
• Redux for state management
• Mapbox GL for interactive mapping
• D3.js for data visualization

Backend:

• Node.js with Express.js
• PostgreSQL for relational data
• MongoDB for unstructured data storage
• Redis for caching

APIs and Services:

• RESTful API for data exchange
• WebSocket for real-time updates
• AWS S3 for file storage
• Auth0 for authentication

DevOps:

• Docker for containerization
• Jenkins for CI/CD
• ELK stack for logging and monitoring

API Endpoints

• POST /api/auth/register
• POST /api/auth/login
• GET /api/projects
• POST /api/projects
• GET /api/surveys
• POST /api/surveys
• PUT /api/surveys/:id
• GET /api/dashboard/widgets
• POST /api/dashboard/layouts
• GET /api/reports
• POST /api/reports/generate

Database Schema

Users:

• id (PK)
• username
• email
• password_hash
• role

Projects:

• id (PK)
• name
• description
• created_at
• updated_at
• user_id (FK to Users)

Surveys:

• id (PK)
• project_id (FK to Projects)
• title
• data (JSONB)
• location
• created_at
• updated_at

DashboardLayouts:

• id (PK)
• user_id (FK to Users)
• layout (JSONB)
• name

File Structure

Implementation Plan

1. Project Setup (1 week)

   • Initialize repository
   • Set up project structure
   • Configure development environment

2. Backend Development (3 weeks)

   • Implement user authentication
   • Create API endpoints
   • Set up database and models

3. Frontend Web Development (4 weeks)

   • Develop main dashboard components
   • Implement data visualization features
   • Create forms for data input

4. Mobile App Development (3 weeks)

   • Set up React Native project
   • Develop core mobile features
   • Implement offline functionality

5. Integration and Testing (2 weeks)

   • Integrate frontend with backend
   • Perform unit and integration testing
   • Conduct user acceptance testing

6. Optimization and Polish (1 week)

   • Optimize performance
   • Refine UI/UX
   • Address feedback from testing

7. Deployment and Launch (1 week)

   • Set up production environment
   • Deploy application
   • Conduct final tests

8. Post-launch Support and Iterations (Ongoing)

   • Monitor application performance
   • Gather user feedback
   • Implement updates and new features

Deployment Strategy

1. Use AWS for cloud infrastructure
2. Set up separate environments for development, staging, and production
3. Use Docker containers for consistent deployment across environments
4. Implement CI/CD pipeline with Jenkins
5. Use AWS RDS for PostgreSQL and MongoDB Atlas for document storage
6. Set up AWS CloudFront for content delivery
7. Implement AWS CloudWatch for monitoring and alerts
8. Use AWS S3 for file storage and backups
9. Set up automatic scaling for web servers and databases
10. Implement regular security audits and updates

Design Rationale

The customizable dashboard approach was chosen to cater to the diverse needs of surveyors across different specialties. React and React Native were selected for their component-based architecture, allowing for reusable UI elements across web and mobile platforms. The combination of PostgreSQL and MongoDB provides flexibility in handling both structured and unstructured data common in surveying. Real-time features are crucial for team collaboration, hence the inclusion of WebSocket technology. The offline mode in the mobile app addresses the need for data collection in remote areas with poor connectivity. The modular file structure and use of modern JavaScript frameworks ensure scalability and ease of maintenance as the project grows.