Computer Science Capstone Design Capstone Project Description
Quantifier Web Portal

Sponsor Information: Charlie Williams, Vice President Phone: (918) 747-8749 Email: charliewilliams@cleanairaction.com Mike Kasper, MIS/Database Administrator Phone: (918) 747-8783 Email: mikekasper@cleanairaction.com Clean Air Action Corporation 7134 South Yale, Suite 310 Tulsa, OK 74136

Project Overview: Clean Air Action Corporation helped create and now supports a sustainable development project know as The International Small Group and Tree Planting program (TIST). This project focuses on planting trees in countries such as Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and India. To gain a better understanding of the TIST project, additional information can be found at tist.org. The success of the TIST program requires the count, location, and condition of the program's trees to be audited regularly. This information is collected on PDA devices, by on-site company employees known as quantifiers, who then upload the data to a main server (image below). After uploading their records, the information required to complete future audits is then downloaded to their device. Currently, there are few filters on what is downloaded. The goal was to provide the quantifiers with the flexibility to choose which areas they will audit next. Initially, when the size of the program was small, this was a sufficient solution. But now, the program has grown to a point where this is no longer viable, as the storage capacity of the older PDA devices are frequently overwhelmed. To solve this problem, download sizes need to be limited, while still maintaining the quantifier's flexible work patterns. A well-organized web portal would provide quantifiers with an online interface to review unaudited trees, and make informed decisions on what will be downloaded to their PDA device This environment could also allow users to review their performance history, or communicate and coordinate with other quantifiers. In addition to solving the PDA capacity issue, this project would also allow for more content-rich information to be sent to a users palm. Some key issues with this project include: Client Limitations: Quantifiers will be working from internet cafes, so a solution requires that no special client software is needed. Connection Speed: Communication will be between a server located in the U.S and internet cafes in other countries. The limited download speeds should play an important role in the project design. End User linguistic and technical capabilities: English is a second language for the quantifiers, and most of them have little or no previous computer experience. User testing will be vital, despite it's obvious difficulties. Integration: The web portal will be communicating with the current database. A general knowledge of the current database structure will be required in order to understand what changes need to be made in the design of both the web portal and the database itself. While numerous different features and utilities could be included, the goal of this project is to design and implement the fundamental web portal architecture, as well as the few most critical modules. If the design team accomplishes these initial task early, additional features can be discussed and added to the scope of the project.

Knowledge, skills, and expertise required for this project: Web programming: familiar common web technologies, php pages must be implemented in Php 4.3 Databases: some experience with database design and SQL queries will aid in communicating with server's MySQL 4.1 database User interfaces: some knowledge of the issues that may challenge the success of this project will be extremely beneficial Networking: additional experience and knowledge would be helpful in foreseeing any networking issues that may be present

Equipment Requirements: Development Workstations that support web development Sandbox Environment: a server, with similar specs as live server, to test and develop the project. Will be provided by NAU CS dept.

Deliverables: Audit Status Review Utility --This feature will show the status, location, and any other relevant information about the project areas. Download Selection Utility -- This tool will provide the quantifiers the ability to choose what information will be download to their handheld device, based on the knowledge gathered from the Audit Status Review Utility. Authentication System -- This project requires a system that allows quantifiers to login, receive user specific content, as well as update the ID of their handheld device. Fully commented source code, complete with design documentation Detail integration documentation, describing how to move the application from the sandbox environment, to the live server Documentation for using the web portal