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As our project is nearing its end, we take a few moments here to think back on ideas we came up with and any support we got that would help future groups. These are the questions addressed to us by our Teaching Assistant.
| Q: How could your project be extended/improved in the future? |
| - Add connectivity to a remote SQL server. Ideally it would grow by the user feedback provided about each point-of interest, similar to the customer feedback found on websites like Amazon.com. A remote SQL server could also provide an easy way to keep the data updated for multiple clients to access it. |
| - 4/28/04 Add the ability to connect to Wi-Fi networks in urban settings to retrieve information in addition to local storage of data. This would help curb to necessity for massive storage capacity on the Pocket PC itself, and limit the need for expansion cards. |
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- Ideally, we would have expanded the area of coverage. Our test site is Steven’s campus, but our original goal was to tackle significant portions of Manhattan as well. |
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- The group also examined potential hardware improvements. We would have preferred to use a GPS form factor without cable that was more compatible for use with a handheld. The GPS used in this development process, the DeLorme Earthmate, was selected because of its compatibility with both full sized PC's as well as Pocket PC handhelds such that is would be possible to program for easily. In a final version of this system, the GPS would ideally be closely attached to the handheld device, or the entire device would be created from scratch. |
| - Software improvements. We could come up with alternate ideas or improvements on our landmark detection part. Also, give more user options. |
| Q: Are there any new project ideas that came up (even if entirely different from your current project, describe)? |
| - We could expand our project for marketability. Economics Design class allowed us to see the marketability of our project. This can be accomplished by expanding our project scope to include restaurants and entertainment venues to provide more value to the user. |
| Also, the group found some valuable sources we have received support from, and are as follows. |
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242 Greene Street New York, NY 10003 (212)998-4672 This was a good place for us to find the latest books in software development, with selection of even the rarest titles. |
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-The Microsoft Developer's Network Academic Alliance program in the Stevens Computer Science Department is an excellent resource to obtain various Microsoft products for free, such as Visual Studio .NET, Windows XP, and Microsoft Visio. Contact Dan Lipsy regarding this program. |
| Miscellaneous Tips and Information |
| - Both the NYU & Stevens Libraries do offer a lot of books in the programming field, but usually outdated stuff if you’re using the newest developer software. The books that would have been useful were on a restricted borrowing list. If a book is really useful enough, sometimes its better to save yourself the grief and just buy it. |
| - When a project is decided, acquisition of any needed materials is crucial! It would be ideal that every person in the group focus on this as a priority early on in the project, and not assign this large task to one person. If anything is missing, weeks can be lost waiting for it. |
| - Use the internet for everything. Compare prices and order online. Can’t travel to a group meeting? Use Instant Message and work at the same time as your group. Have a question? E-mail someone. Don’t know how to do something? Find a “How to” website. You can be lazy, and still do a large amount of work without moving. |
