University Research Portal

Description

This project is a Django-based web application designed to facilitate research activities, data management, and field data collection. It provides a comprehensive platform for researchers to store, share, and analyze datasets with integrated geographical visualization capabilities.

Core Components

Data Repository

• Dataset management with versioning control
• Categorization and metadata management
• Download tracking and analytics
• DOI integration for academic citations

Field Data Collection System

• Field device management and monitoring
• Weather station integration
• Manual and automated data collection
• Data validation and quality control
• Alert system for device maintenance

Maps and Geographical Analysis

• Spatial data visualization
• Field data collection points
• Weather station mapping
• Geospatial analysis tools

User Management

• Authentication and authorization
• Researcher profiles and collaboration tools
• Activity tracking and notifications

Features

• User registration and authentication
• Profile management
• Dataset upload, versioning, and sharing
• Field data collection through various device types
• Automated alerts for field devices (battery, connectivity, etc.)
• Geographical visualization of research data
• Data import/export in multiple formats (CSV, JSON, Excel)
• Advanced search and filtering capabilities

Installation Instructions

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone <repository-url>
   cd research_portal

2. Set up a virtual environment:

   python -m venv venv
   source venv/bin/activate  # On Windows use `venv\Scripts\activate`

3. Install dependencies:

   pip install -r requirements.txt

4. Configure GeoDjango (for spatial features):

   • For Linux: Use the provided installation script

     ./install_geodjango.sh

   • For Fedora: Use the Fedora-specific script

     ./install_geodjango_fedora.sh

5. Set up database:

   python manage.py migrate

6. Create a superuser:

   python manage.py createsuperuser

Usage Instructions

1. Run the Django development server:

   python manage.py runserver

2. Access the application at http://127.0.0.1:8000/.

3. Field data collection:

   • Set up field devices through the admin interface
   • Configure alert thresholds and monitoring parameters
   • Collect and upload field data through the web interface or API
   • View data on geographical maps

4. Dataset management:

   • Upload datasets with metadata
   • Create and manage dataset versions
   • Categorize and tag datasets for easy discovery
   • Track downloads and usage analytics

System Architecture

The system uses Django with GeoDjango for spatial functionality and includes:

• Django REST framework for API endpoints
• WebSocket support for real-time alerts
• Batch processing for large dataset operations
• Automated field device monitoring

Tools and Technologies Used

• Django and GeoDjango
• Django REST framework
• PostgreSQL with PostGIS extension
• Python for data processing
• JavaScript for frontend interactivity
• Leaflet.js for map visualization

API Documentation

API endpoints are available for:

• Dataset access and management
• Field device monitoring
• Data collection and upload
• User authentication

Collaborators

• [DEREK MURIUKI] - dee-mee
• [BENARD KARANJA] - n-cognto
• [KELVIN NAMBALE] - Kelvinnambale
• [FIDEL ELIUD] - phantom-kali

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License.