ReactFirebaseGebeta MapsTailwind CSSWeb

Local Lens

Local Lens

TYPE

web

DURATION

1 week

COMPLETED

May 2025

LANGUAGE

JavaScript

MISSION BRIEF

Local Lens is a community-driven business discovery and review platform developed for the Gebeta Maps Hackathon. Much like Yelp or Google Reviews, Local Lens allows users to explore local businesses, leave reviews, rate services, and view detailed business profiles—all enhanced with custom map integration from Gebeta Maps. Users can search by category, location, or keyword, and enjoy a clean, responsive interface optimized for mobile and desktop. Local Lens empowers local communities to elevate businesses and helps new customers make informed decisions.

REPOSITORY LIVE DEMO

VISUAL_EVIDENCE

Gallery 0
Gallery 1
Gallery 2

CORE FEATURES

  • Browse local businesses on an interactive map
  • Leave reviews with star ratings and written feedback
  • View business details including hours, location, and services
  • Search by business name, keyword, or category
  • Filter by top-rated or nearby businesses
  • Mobile-friendly interface
  • User profiles with review history
  • Custom map interface using Gebeta Maps

TECH STACK

  • >React for dynamic and reusable UI components
  • >Firebase Firestore for real-time data handling
  • >Firebase Authentication for secure user sign-in
  • >Gebeta Maps SDK for mapping and location features
  • >Tailwind CSS for a clean, responsive design
  • >Custom hook-based state management
  • >Review moderation and basic spam protection
  • >Geo-querying for location-based filtering

Operational Hurdles

Integrating Gebeta Maps into a custom React workflow

SOLUTION_PROTOCOL: Built a modular wrapper for Gebeta Maps SDK to enable dynamic map markers and location filtering

Preventing spam or duplicate reviews

SOLUTION_PROTOCOL: Enforced user sign-in with Firebase Auth and limited one review per business per user

Rendering large lists of businesses efficiently

SOLUTION_PROTOCOL: Implemented lazy loading and map clustering for performance at scale

Building and deploying the MVP under hackathon constraints

SOLUTION_PROTOCOL: Focused on core features using Firebase's real-time tools and modular design for rapid development