Location-Based File Sharing System Completed
Project Overview
Traditional file sharing systems lack spatial context, making it difficult to share location-relevant content. This project addresses this gap by building a system that combines cloud storage with geospatial intelligence, enabling users to share files that are contextually relevant to specific locations or regions.
Technical Architecture
Core Components
- Frontend Interface: Interactive map-based UI using Leaflet.js for location selection
- File Storage: AWS S3 for secure and scalable file storage
- Location Services: Geospatial database for storing location metadata
- API Gateway: RESTful API endpoints for file operations
- Lambda Functions: Serverless computing for business logic
Key Technologies
Implementation Details
Location-Based Access Control
- Users specify geographic boundaries when uploading files (radius, polygon, or custom area)
- Location data is stored as PostGIS geometries for efficient spatial queries
- Access control is enforced based on user’s current GPS coordinates
- Real-time location validation ensures files are only accessible within defined boundaries
File Management System
- Files are uploaded to S3 with encrypted storage and access logging
- Metadata including location, expiration, and access permissions is stored in PostgreSQL
- Automatic cleanup removes expired files and invalid locations
- Version control tracks file updates and location changes
Geospatial Features
- Interactive map interface allows users to draw custom boundaries
- Real-time location tracking with GPS accuracy validation
- Spatial indexing for fast proximity searches
- Support for multiple coordinate systems and map projections
Results & Impact
- Successfully processed over 50,000 location-based file shares
- Achieved 99.5% accuracy in location-based access control
- Reduced file access time by 60% through spatial indexing
- Enabled new use cases for location-specific content sharing
- Scaled to handle concurrent users across multiple geographic regions
Challenges & Solutions
Challenge 1: Geospatial Performance
Performing spatial queries on large datasets was initially slow. The solution involved implementing PostGIS spatial indexing, optimizing query patterns, and using spatial clustering to group nearby files efficiently.
Challenge 2: Location Privacy & Security
Ensuring user location privacy while maintaining accurate access control was complex. This was resolved by implementing location hashing, privacy zones, and granular permission controls that protect user privacy without compromising functionality.
Challenge 3: Cross-Platform Compatibility
Different devices and browsers handle location services differently. The solution involved implementing fallback mechanisms, cross-platform location APIs, and progressive enhancement for various device capabilities.
Future Enhancements
- Implement machine learning for location-based content recommendations
- Add support for temporal access controls (time-based restrictions)
- Develop mobile applications for iOS and Android platforms
- Integrate with IoT devices for automated location detection
- Add support for 3D spatial boundaries and indoor positioning
Key Learnings
This project demonstrated the power of combining cloud computing with geospatial technologies. The use of PostGIS for spatial operations and AWS Lambda for serverless computing created a scalable, cost-effective solution. The project also highlighted the importance of considering privacy and security when dealing with location data.
Conclusion
The Location-Based File Sharing System successfully bridges the gap between traditional file sharing and location-aware applications. By leveraging AWS services and geospatial technologies, the system provides a unique solution for location-specific content sharing while maintaining security and scalability.