Ocean Impact Tracker

Project Logo
Tutorial
Simulation
Simulation
AI summary when you click on path.

Link to audio voiceover for video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K6qr25UTA-B1S-ur_TfW3JxZ8mVsmVu7/view?usp=sharing

Inspiration

Plastic and other trash is one of the biggest current threats to ocean ecosystems and the species that live in them. Things like plastic bags, fishing line, bottle caps, and tons of other junk can cause harm or even death to ocean species. We wanted to spread awareness for this problem and teach people how they can help.

What it does

"Where Does Your Trash Go?" is a simulation that maps the path of a piece of trash as it travels through the ocean. The user chooses the starting point and watches it float toward its final destination. Along the way, pop-ups display information about the ecosystems it's passing through and how they could be affected by the trash.

How we built it

We used a combination of Javascript, HTML, CSS, node.js, APIs, and groq AI to create an ai assisted ocean impact mapper. We started off by finding a polymap of earth's ecoregions which we then used Node to determine which polygon the trash is in at a certain point on the simulated map. After this, we then sent the data gathered from Node to an AI via an API which would then give you a custom popup on how trash is impacting the ocean at that specific location.

Challenges we ran into

We encountered a plethora of small syntax errors that kept our project from working. Most of those involved the AI API that we were using, due to an issue with the key to it. Thankfully, we managed to sort those out before the submission deadline.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

We each gained so many skills throughout this project. Burton, Henry, and Armaan worked insanely hard on getting the site up and running; August did research and design and remembered what was in the emails. There were times we worried it wouldn't work at all, but somehow it does, and we are so proud.

What we learned

Throughout this project we improved our product ideation, collaboration, and brainstorming. We started with one idea, debated it, considered another idea or three, and then went back to the original idea. It was definitely a learning curve, but our depth of knowledge has improved so much because of it.

What's next for Where Does Your Trash Go?

We intend to expand the information about how users can get involved by including resources such as how to find your local representative, possible legislation near you concerning ocean protection, and nearby organizations that work to protect waterways. Then, we'd like to pass the site to science teachers in our schools and others so that other young people can learn about to how to support this vital cause.

GO READ THE README ON THE GITHUB FOR MORE INFO ON HOW WE BUILT