The landlords will be posting the apartments that are vacant, while the students will be adding the reviews and their opinions. Using existing tools, this project would have a combination of mapping and reviews from users.
Google Forms is a good starting point to collecting information because Google products can be synced together. A student will be able to fill out the form and the project can use that information to input into ESRI map attributes or as a Google Earth location. Once the location is found, the attribute table on an ESRI map can produce the student’s answers on the place. A rating system will be featured with each location so users can see what the previous renters thought of the landlord, location, quality of rooms, and any other concerning pieces. This process will be similar to Rate My Professors.
Google Earth can be used to pinpoint the location of the apartment or house and put it into a realistic visual. Google Earth is good for showing surrounding areas of the building and street view allows for a first-person perspective on the actual structure. Instead of just seeing a color coded map, the user will be able to see people and the environment surrounding the apartment.
ESRI is a great GIS resource for mapping with attributes. It can be used as a public interface, so students would be able to see the apartments, along with details of the living space. Anyone can create a map and add attribute features such as rating of landlord, condition of space, and pricing. ESRI is a useful tool because the attributes can be quantitative or qualitative factors that could also be used as ratings categories. I would use ESRI to map the locations and connect attribute data to the address, but the review aspect would come from a different tool.
Facebook will also be a great contribution to the opinion section. If Space Invaders could use personal input from people’s Facebook pages that would give a wider student range. Facebook usage would bring up the popularity and attract groups who are planning on living with each other.
The purpose of Space invaders is to use former renters’ opinions to build a stronger background on the location, so they can choose a place to live easier.
