Designing a UNCCD-Style Web GIS Observatory (Prototype)

This is a semi-project, not a claim of official UNCCD production ownership.

I built it as a realistic prototype based on the kind of responsibilities that show up in Web GIS and information-management roles connected to the Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).

If you want to see the companion case study page, start here: UNCCD Land Restoration Observatory (Prototype)

Why This Prototype Exists

Most technical interviews and consulting screens ask the same thing:

1. Can you build the map and database stack?
2. Can you maintain it after launch?
3. Can you produce reliable reporting and backups?

This prototype was built to answer all three in one coherent system.

Scope of the Semi-Project

• Map-first UX for geospatial layer browsing
• SQL/PostGIS data model for land indicators
• Monitoring hooks for usage and traffic trends
• Monthly and quarterly reporting workflow
• Daily incremental + weekly full backup design
• Documentation-first handoff for mixed technical teams

Architecture Snapshot

React + Leaflet/OpenStreetMap
        |
Node.js / Express APIs
        |
PostgreSQL + PostGIS
        |
Monitoring + Reporting + Backup Jobs

Core stack:

• Frontend: React, TypeScript, Leaflet
• Backend: Node.js, Express
• Database: PostgreSQL, PostGIS, SQL
• Ops: GitHub workflows, scheduled reports, backup routines

Example Query: Land Indicator Rollup

SELECT
  district_code,
  COUNT(*) AS parcels_tracked,
  ROUND(SUM(ST_Area(geom::geography)) / 10000.0, 2) AS area_hectares,
  ROUND(AVG(restoration_score), 2) AS avg_restoration_score
FROM land_parcels
WHERE observation_date >= DATE_TRUNC('month', CURRENT_DATE)
GROUP BY district_code
ORDER BY area_hectares DESC;

This gives a district-level monthly summary that can feed KPI dashboards and narrative reporting.

Monitoring and Reporting Model

The model in this prototype uses:

• Monthly reports for traffic and engagement trends
• Quarterly summaries for management-level insights
• Anomaly alerts for unusual spikes/drops
• Audit-friendly logs for troubleshooting and transparency

What This Proves

Even as a semi-project, it demonstrates practical readiness for UNCCD-style delivery:

• Web/database implementation
• Geospatial data handling
• Operational maintenance thinking
• Reporting discipline
• Backup and retention planning