Adopt-a-Plot 1.1.1

The Adopt-a-Plot application is a geolocation-based tool designed to display the user's real-time position relative to predefined or user-defined map polygons. Originally developed to assist volunteers in forest maintenance efforts within the Bay Ridge Civic Association in Maryland, it comprises 105 pre-loaded geofenced plots. Nonetheless, the application is accessible globally, allowing users to create custom polygons for similar real-time geopositioning purposes.

The app utilizes the device’s GPS to continuously triangulate and present the user’s current location. Concurrently, it overlays the boundaries of the selected plot onto the map with precise delineation. The positional accuracy is generally constrained by the inherent limits of phone GPS technology, typically within 15-30 feet; external GPS devices can further enhance this precision.

User interaction includes browsing through a list of pre-existing plots or manually entering specific latitude and longitude coordinates to define new areas. The interface visually highlights selected regions with a red border overlay, while the user’s location appears as a pulsing blue dot on the map.

• Real-time positioning updates
• Dropdown menu featuring available pre-loaded plots
• Functionality for manual coordinate input
• Zoom in and out map controls
• Accurate red border overlay around selected plot
• Switching view options between user location and plot area
• Informational menu tailored to Bay Ridge, Maryland, including invasive species management and safety guidelines

It should be noted that continuous use of GPS features may significantly drain device batteries; users are advised to carry portable chargers or deactivate the app when necessary.

This application was developed in 2019 as a 'Community Challenge Project' by South River High School junior STEM students—Ari Wasch, Samara Hatley, and Nick Merton—for the benefit of the Bay Ridge Civic Association. Ari Wasch was responsible for coding the iOS version using Xcode and the Android version via Android Studio.