MapMIT

An integrated campus mapping and event management platform for MIT Manipal, combining interactive digital maps with real-time event visualization and automated drone mapping.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Project Components
• Development Phases
• Technology Stack
• Getting Started
• Usage
• Contributing
• License
• Acknowledgements

Introduction

MapMIT aims to improve campus navigation and event discovery through a comprehensive platform that integrates:

• Interactive campus maps
• Real-time event visualization and management
• Automated drone-based mapping updates
• Historical event tracking and analytics

This project was inspired by the need for an updated and user-friendly campus map to assist students, staff, and visitors in navigating the MIT campus effectively. (And also because it was a cool thing to work on : ) Overtime it grew to become a full scale FOSS project that it is presently with an automation component.

Project Components

1. Interactive WebMap (GIS)

• Real-time visualization of campus events on an interactive map
• Historical event tracking database
• Intuitive interface for navigation and event discovery & creation
• One-click event details and registration forms
• Layer-based visualization of campus facilities

2. Automated Drone Mapping

• Open-Source drone for campus surveying
• Photogrammetry workflow for 3D reconstruction
• GPS-guided navigation system (within drone)
• Automated data processing pipeline

Development Phases

Phase 1: Base Mapping (Completed)

Objective:-

• QGIS-based static campus map
• Basic building and pathway mapping
• Terrain visualization
• PDF exports for static use

Phase 2: Web Platform (In Progress)

Objective:-

• Interactive web interface using OpenLayers
• Basic building information display
• Event management system integration
• User authentication and roles

Phase 3: Drone and Photogrammetry Integration (In Development)

Objective:-

• Initial drone test flights
• Automated flight path planning
• Photogrammetry pipeline setup
• Map update automation

Phase 4: Full Platform Integration (Planned)

Objective:-

• Real-time event updates
• Automated map maintenance
• 3D layers made using photogrammetry
• Event Analytics dashboard
• Event History log and viewer
• User Login and Event Registration with admin approval pipeline and more in planning phase...

Technology Stack

Software

1. GIS Software: QGIS for map creation and data management.
2. Web Mapping Library: OpenLayers for web map development.
3. Languages: HTML, CSS, JavaScript for web development.
4. Data Formats: Shapefiles, GeoJSON for data handling. (refer static map readme)
5. Database: PostgreSQL with PostGIS

Hardware

1. Drone: F4 Flight Controller, BLDC Motor, M8 GPS
2. Photogrammetry: Meshroom for 3D model reconstruction, Cleanup in Blender
3. Data Acquisition: FireHawk 4K Camera

Getting Started

Prerequisites:-

1. QGIS installed (3.x or higher)
2. Basic knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript
3. Familiarity with web mapping libraries (Leaflet/Mapbox/OpenLayers).

Installation:-

Clone the repository:

git clone https://github.com/openhorizonrobotics/mapmit   
cd mapmit  

Set up QGIS:

Open QGIS and import the Geopackage along with all attached files from the qgis project directory.

Usage

(Instructions to be added as the project progresses.)

Contributions

Contributions are welcome! Please follow these steps:

1. Fork the repository.
2. Create a new branch
3. Commit your changes
4. Push to the branch
5. Open a pull request.

License

This project is licensed under GNU Affero General Public License v3.0 - refer the License file

Acknowledgements

Thanks to the QGIS community for their excellent GIS software.
Special thanks to the Department of Instrumentation and Control Engineering (ICE) and Innovation Centre, MIT Manipal for supporting the project.
Inspired by interactive maps from other universities.