A Mobile Application for Campus Navigation and Lecturer Availability System (CNLAS)

Background and Motivation: University campuses are characterized by expansive layouts and complex infrastructures that present significant navigation challenges to students, staff, and visitors. Additionally, inefficiencies in locating academic staff and determining their real-time availability compound these difficulties, reducing academic productivity and increasing time wastage. Methods: This study presents the design and development of a mobile-based Campus Navigation and Lecturer Availability System (CNLAS) using Flutter for the frontend, Node.js with Express for the backend, and PostgreSQL for database management. An Agile software development methodology was adopted to ensure flexibility, adaptability, and user-centered design throughout the development lifecycle. The system integrates interactive navigation with real-time lecturer availability tracking into a unified mobile platform. Results: The system was evaluated based on functionality, performance, and usability. All features operated as expected, maintaining acceptable response times and enabling users to complete tasks without difficulty. User feedback indicated that the system significantly reduced the time required to locate buildings and lecturers, thereby improving overall efficiency and reducing time wastage associated with campus navigation. Conclusion: The CNLAS system successfully demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating spatial navigation with real-time availability systems to provide a comprehensive solution that improves user experience and operational efficiency in academic environments. This work highlights the potential of mobile technology in enhancing campus-based academic operations.