Tags: #Publish #Coding ________ # Overview The objective is to develop an interactive web application that presents an accurately scaled representation of the solar system. While numerous solar system maps exist, very few provide the specific features I envision. The primary goal of this map is to simulate the experience of observing the night sky as astronomers do. This means excluding orbital lines, labels, or any distracting elements, focusing solely on the Sun at the center and the planets and asteroid belts in their actual positions. The map's perspective should be a top-down view, allowing users to zoom in and out, drag and pan the view, and have the option to create their own grids, markers, drawings, labels, and other customizations as they explore the solar system. - **Objective**: Create a realistic scale model of the solar system where users can explore and find planets, moons, and other celestial objects. - **Educational Aspect**: Teach users about the vastness of space and the relative positions and sizes of celestial bodies. - **Challenge**: Maintain user interest and engagement despite the realistic scales, which could make finding objects challenging. # Task List ## 1. Project Planning and Research - [x] **Task 1.1:** Define project scope and objectives. - [x] **Task 1.2:** Research astronomical data sources (e.g., NASA, ESA databases). - [x] Task 1.2a: Collect data into a table. - [x] **Task 1.3:** Decide on the technologies and tools to be used (e.g., JavaScript frameworks, WebGL, D3.js). ## 2. Design Phase - [ ] **Task 2.1:** Sketch initial design and layout ideas. - [ ] **Task 2.2:** Design the user interface and user experience (UX/UI). - [x] **Task 2.3:** Plan the navigation system (zoom, pan, speed adjustments). - [ ] **Task 2.4:** Design the user interaction system for the scavenger hunt. ## 3. Development Setup - [x] **Task 3.1:** Set up the development environment. - [x] **Task 3.2:** Configure version control (e.g., Git). - [x] **Task 3.3:** Set up a basic project structure with necessary libraries and frameworks. - [x] Task 3.3a: Tracking mouse movement for hover labels ## 4. Core Development - [x] **Task 4.1:** Implement the rendering of the solar system. - [x] **Task 4.2:** Develop zoom and pan functionalities. - [x] Task 4.2b: create info boxes on object hover - [ ] **Task 4.3:** Implement the scavenger hunt mechanics. - [x] Task 4.4: Collect blurbs about celestial objects. - [ ] **Task 4.5:** Integrate astronomical data into the application. ## 5. Testing and Iteration - [ ] **Task 6.1:** Conduct unit testing for individual components. - [ ] **Task 6.2:** Perform integration testing to ensure all components work together. - [ ] **Task 6.3:** User testing for feedback on usability and features. ## 6. Optimization and Refinement - [ ] **Task 7.1:** Optimize performance, especially for rendering and data loading. - [ ] **Task 7.2:** Refine the user interface based on testing feedback. - [ ] **Task 7.3:** Ensure responsiveness and compatibility with different browsers and devices. ## 7. Deployment - [ ] **Task 8.1:** Set up hosting and domain. - [ ] **Task 8.2:** Deploy the application. - [ ] **Task 8.3:** Perform post-deployment testing. ## 8. Documentation - [ ] **Task 10.1:** Create user guides or documentation. # Key Technologies and Libraries * ***HTML/CSS**: For the basic structure and styling of the application. * **JavaScript**: For dynamic behaviors and handling user interactions. * ***Canvas API or WebGL**: For rendering the solar system. WebGL (possibly through a library like Three.js) might be preferred for more complex graphics. * **D3.js or similar libraries**: For creating and manipulating graphical elements, and for zoom and pan functionalities. * ***Astronomical Data**: Accurate positions and information about celestial bodies. This could be sourced from APIs or astronomical databases. # Key Features * **Scale Representation**: Accurately represent the distances and sizes of celestial objects. * ***Navigation Tools**: Implement zoom, pan, and a speed adjustment feature to navigate the vast distances. * ***Scavenger Hunt Mechanics**: Create a list of objects for users to find, with hints or riddles. * ***Interactive Elements**: Allow users to click on objects to learn more about them. * **User Progress Tracking**: Implement a system to track which objects have been found. * ***Engagement Strategies**: Incorporate gamification elements like rewards, achievements, or leaderboards.