Dynamic Query
The Home Finder uses a dynamic query to instantly show the user search results from an Access database. The database contains a list of real estate properties for the city of Canmore, Alberta.
Based on the user's selection of attributes in the controls, house representations appear on the map.
Visual Variables
Position
The position of each home on the map of Canmore represents the actual location of each home within the city.
Shape
The shape of each home represents the style of home: house, condo, or mobile. The user is able to select which homes are of each style by looking at the visual variable.
Size
The size of each home represents a combination of a home's properties, depending on the user's selection. The user can allow size to represent any or all of:
- the number of bedrooms
- the number of full bathrooms
- the number of half bathrooms
- lot size
- floor size
The user is able to order the homes visually from smallest to largest based on any of the given properties.
Value (Colour)
The value of the green colour of each home is used to represent the asking price. Users can order the value of the colour from lightest to darkest; least expensive to most expensive.
Other Features
Zoom Lens
To allow the user to see shapes that are overlapping a zoom lens was added. The lens magnifies the map underneath of it, but not the shape size. This allows the shapes to not be overlapped when zoomed. The zoom box can be moved around the map as needed and also resized.
House Details
Details are available on demand for the user after they have narrowed their search criteria. Specific details about a home can be found by moving the mouse cursor over a home's symbol on the map.