• Interactive Map Search: Users can visually explore the locations of automaton clocks using an integrated Google Maps interface.
• User Contribution System: Registered users can post information, photos, and specific location data for new clocks they discover.
• User Authentication: A secure login system allows users to manage their profiles, track their posts, and interact with the community.
• Detailed Clock Profiles: Each entry includes descriptions, performance schedules, and precise geographic data.

The most challenging aspect of this project was synchronizing user-submitted location data with the Google Maps API. Unlike static maps, this application required a dynamic system where addresses or coordinates provided by users in their posts had to be accurately converted and rendered as interactive markers on the map in real-time. Ensuring data consistency between the database and the map interface while maintaining a smooth user experience was a significant technical hurdle.

To overcome this, I implemented the Google Maps JavaScript API alongside a robust backend logic for data validation.

1. Geocoding Integration: I integrated a geocoding process that converts user-inputted addresses into precise latitude and longitude coordinates before storing them in the database.
2. Asynchronous Rendering: I utilized asynchronous JavaScript to fetch and display markers, ensuring the map remains responsive even when loading a large number of data points.
3. Authentication Logic: For the login feature, I implemented secure session management to ensure that only authorized users could contribute or edit location data, maintaining the integrity of the map's information.