GreenSpot - Smart Location Sustainability Analyzer

Project Overview

GreenSpot is a comprehensive web application that leverages Google's Photorealistic 3D Maps to analyze and visualize location sustainability. By integrating multiple Google Maps Platform APIs, it provides real-time environmental metrics and quality-of-life insights.

Core Features

1. Air Quality Layer

• Visualization: Creates gradient circles around location with opacity based on AQI
• Data Source: Google Air Quality API
• Scoring (20 points max):
  • AQI >= 80: 16-20 points
  • AQI >= 60: 12-16 points
  • AQI >= 40: 8-12 points
  • AQI >= 20: 4-8 points
  • AQI >= 1: 0.2-4 points
• Panel Features: Real-time AQI, health recommendations, dominant pollutants

2. Solar Potential Layer

• Visualization: 3D polygons representing rooftop solar potential
• Data Source: Google Solar API
• Scoring (40 points max):
  • Based on average sunshine (kWh/m²/year)
  • Score = min(averageSunshine / 50, 40)
• Panel Features: Annual power output, panel configurations, roof segment analysis
• Known Issue: Misalignment of 3D solar panel elements with building geometry

3. Walkability Layer

• Visualization: 15-minute isochrone with color-coded amenity markers
• Data Source: Google Places API
• Scoring (30 points max):
  • Amenity count: Up to 15 points (2 points per amenity)
  • Type diversity: Up to 10 points (2 points per type)
  • Proximity: Up to 5 points (inverse of average distance)
• Panel Features: Amenity categorization, distance calculations
• Known Issue: Places API sometimes returns incorrect location types

4. Green Spaces Layer

• Visualization: 3D models with volumetric canopy representation
• Data Source: Google Places API (parks)
• Scoring (30 points max):
  • Quantity: Up to 10 points
  • Proximity: Up to 10 points
  • Quality (size, ratings): Up to 10 points
• Panel Features: Park details, ratings, size calculations

5. Transit Layer

• Visualization: Station markers with connection lines
• Data Source: Google Places API (transit stations)
• Scoring (30 points max):
  • Based on station count, type diversity, and proximity
  • 3 points per station
  • 5 points per transit type
  • Distance points (10 - average_distance * 2)

Sustainability Score Calculation

• Total possible score: 100 points
• Grade assignments:
  • A+: 90-100
  • A: 80-89
  • B+: 70-79
  • B: 60-69
  • C+: 50-59
  • C: 40-49
  • D: 30-39
  • F: Below 30

AI Analysis Integration

• Uses Gemini API for insights generation
• Processes all layer data to generate:
  • Key sustainability strengths
  • Improvement opportunities
  • Overall assessment
• Uses structured prompting for consistent analysis

Technical Challenges & Solutions

Future Improvements

1. Enhanced solar panel visualization accuracy
2. Expanded amenity type validation
3. Additional sustainability metrics integration
4. Performance optimization for large areas
5. Historical data trends analysis