JCU final year IT project presentations
This event showcases the skills required for team projects combining the IT
faculty and Arts faculty in a Creative Exchange. There are many skills gained in
developing such projects that are transferable into the real world. Each team
made a group presentation in front of peers, JCU staff and NQ ACS members with
open questions at the end. All projects had live Internet material for the
presentations. Online collaborations was used between team members and from end
users to the project team. Summaries of the projects are shown below.
The event was introduced by Prof Ian Atkinson. Look out for Bachelor of Information Technology graduates with the skills listed below.
The website provides an introduction, message board, instructions, construction examples.
Unique skills for this project includes the physics engine for the constructions, island topography and landscape design. New programming languages, libraries, engine skills were gained during the project.
Project development and collaboration was assisted with http://code.google.com/p/it-project/
In game play there is an ability to zoom in and out for any area. Building tower costs money and killing zombies earns money.
Over 7000 lines total of code were used in the project in Java, Python and C++.
New skills gained along the way include how to work in a corporate environment with restrictive software platforms, company policies, change control structures, approval procedures etc. Many ideas were wiped out by client limitations.
The website went live on 28 Oct 2009 with code listings, user guides, CMS guides, flash guides, map guides and mapping pictures.
This project attracted extra clients along it course. The goal is to provide a easier navigation tool for those not familiar with JCU.
The scope of the project was buildings within the JCU ring road. The model area was constructed in a 5 metre grid with a vertical accuracy of 50 centimetres. An initial goal of 1 building per person per week was found to be impossible. Most buildings has unique architecture that could not be reused for other building modeling. Project was revised to 1 building every 2 weeks. Accurate and current building specifications were not always available. Some buildings were in renovations during 2009. CAD files were not available for older buildings which are easier to import into the 3D modeling software.
JCU is purchasing Unity software to help this modeling process work faster. The project is classed as on going year to year. The modeling task can be sub divided by building exterior and interior. Multiple modeling teams in the future can complete the task sooner.
The event was introduced by Prof Ian Atkinson. Look out for Bachelor of Information Technology graduates with the skills listed below.
Transferable Skills from projects
| team collaboration | team dynamic changes | website design | Internet interactivity | new programming languages |
| project management | project meeting | documentation | motivation | delegation |
| planing | monitoring | project goal adaption | 2D /3D development | concept art |
| digital audio design | server side logic control | code design for reuse and extension |
problem solving | scope creep management |
| project dependencies | time management | stress management | corporate engagement | end user operational testing |
| accessibility testing | ideas vs corporate approval |
time-line management | fact checking input information |
multi-skilled team dynamics |
| programming tool selection for tasks |
digital imaging | digital visual arts | network load monitoring and management |
website analytics |
| people skills | communication skills |
Raze 2D Online Game
This is a game developed in Adobe Flash 10. It playing goal is to be rescued from an island after a plane crash by sending an SOS out to sea as far as possible. During the game there is vehicle/machine/boat/catapult development and deployment, obstacles to work around and topography of the island. The game can be played from http://www.raze.randomsanity.com.au/The website provides an introduction, message board, instructions, construction examples.
Unique skills for this project includes the physics engine for the constructions, island topography and landscape design. New programming languages, libraries, engine skills were gained during the project.
Project development and collaboration was assisted with http://code.google.com/p/it-project/
Dark Tide 3D Online Game
This is a real time strategy game to build defense towers to protect yourself from attacking zombies. There were 2 teams involved one technical and one creative. Team roles included: programmers, graphical user interface designer, sound design, project management, concept art, 3D development and website design. Logic was controlled at the server end with a thin client model. Multiple zombie were designed and each one operates as a data logic element. KD-trees were used to manage elements location within the playing field. Elements had to artificial intelligence to navigate the playing area, other elements, attack structures, get around towers if possible and attack the final target, you. Google group email and smaller group meeting worked best for this project.In game play there is an ability to zoom in and out for any area. Building tower costs money and killing zombies earns money.
Over 7000 lines total of code were used in the project in Java, Python and C++.
First year Student Experience
This project was designed for high school graduate students who have a JCU offer but have not been to any JCU orientation yet. JCU was the client and the project is a website following JCU guidelines for style and accessibility. The website uses a content management system CMS, Flash programming and contains a forum for feedback. Google Maps is used to help with navigation around Townsville and JCU with new points of interest provided to Google via a spreadsheet and submitting pictures. The forum component is provided using a CMS system called Ploneboard with all new content being moderated before going onsite. Flash was used for walk-through examples of how to navigate JCU website systems such as how to choose electives.New skills gained along the way include how to work in a corporate environment with restrictive software platforms, company policies, change control structures, approval procedures etc. Many ideas were wiped out by client limitations.
The website went live on 28 Oct 2009 with code listings, user guides, CMS guides, flash guides, map guides and mapping pictures.
Interactive 3D model of JCU Douglas campus
This is a large project dedicated to building a realistic 3D model of the JCU Douglas campus incorporating the terrain, buildings and vegetation. Initial data was sourced from engineering drawings. A campus flyover and around building is possible Online.This project attracted extra clients along it course. The goal is to provide a easier navigation tool for those not familiar with JCU.
The scope of the project was buildings within the JCU ring road. The model area was constructed in a 5 metre grid with a vertical accuracy of 50 centimetres. An initial goal of 1 building per person per week was found to be impossible. Most buildings has unique architecture that could not be reused for other building modeling. Project was revised to 1 building every 2 weeks. Accurate and current building specifications were not always available. Some buildings were in renovations during 2009. CAD files were not available for older buildings which are easier to import into the 3D modeling software.
JCU is purchasing Unity software to help this modeling process work faster. The project is classed as on going year to year. The modeling task can be sub divided by building exterior and interior. Multiple modeling teams in the future can complete the task sooner.