Project

Sussex Campus Map

Problem

The University of Sussex provides only a static PDF campus map. For students, staff, and visitors unfamiliar with campus, this makes it genuinely difficult to find buildings, plan accessible routes, or share a specific location with someone else.

Approach

I built a fully client-side interactive map with no API keys or backend dependencies. It offers three views: an illustrated campus view that matches the look of the existing university map, a custom-styled vector tile map, and a satellite layer. Buildings are searchable by name and common aliases using fuzzy matching, with instant suggestions as you type. A facility bar provides one-tap access to the nearest café, food hall, shop, ATM, pharmacy, and more, using the device's GPS. Step-free navigation generates accessible routes from current location to any building. Every building has a shareable deep-link URL (e.g. #building/library) so lecturers can link directly to a location in their course materials. Each building's info panel includes a share button and a QR code that opens in Google Maps. The map is keyboard navigable with ARIA roles and screen reader announcements throughout, and is designed mobile-first.

A built-in custom editor lets the university keep building data up to date without any technical knowledge.

Outcome

A live, publicly accessible tool useful for anyone navigating the Sussex campus, particularly those needing step-free access or unfamiliar with the layout. Designed to be something the university could adopt and maintain going forward.