How to Use

This guide provides detailed instructions on how to use UniLost for both students and administrators.

Student Guide

Registering a Lost Item

  1. Log In: Use your student account credentials

  2. Navigate to Registration: Click the “Register Lost Item” button

  3. Fill in Item Details: * Enter the item title * Provide a description * Select a category * Upload an image (optional)

  4. Set Location: * Click on the map to set the location where the item was lost * Adjust the search radius if needed

  5. Submit: Click “Register” to submit the item for approval

Searching for Items

  1. Browse Items: View all approved items on the map

  2. Filter by Category: Use the category filter to narrow down results

  3. View Details: Click on an item marker to see full details

  4. Contact: Use the item-specific thread to communicate about the item

Using Chat Features

Global Chat: * Access the global chat from the main interface * Send messages visible to all users * View chat history

Item Threads: * Click on an item to open its discussion thread * Post questions or comments specific to that item * Receive real-time updates when others respond

Administrator Guide

Approving Items

  1. Log In: Use your administrator account

  2. View Pending Items: Items awaiting approval are marked with “pending” status

  3. Review Details: Check item information, location, and images

  4. Set Storage Location: Enter where the item is stored

  5. Approve or Reject: * Click “Approve” to make the item visible to all users * Click “Reject” to remove the item from the system

Managing Items

  • Edit Items: Update item details, status, or storage location

  • Delete Items: Remove items that are no longer relevant

  • View All Items: Access a complete list of all registered items

Usage Examples

Example 1: Registering a Lost Wallet

  1. Log in as a student

  2. Click “Register Lost Item”

  3. Enter: * Title: “Black Leather Wallet” * Description: “Lost near the library entrance. Contains student ID and credit cards.” * Category: “Wallet”

  4. Click on the map at the library location

  5. Set radius to 50 meters

  6. Upload a photo if available

  7. Click “Register”

Example 2: Searching for a Lost Phone

  1. Log in or browse as guest

  2. Use the category filter to select “Electronics”

  3. Browse items on the map

  4. Click on a phone item marker

  5. Read the description and check the location

  6. If it matches, use the thread to contact the finder

Example 3: Administrator Approving an Item

  1. Log in as administrator

  2. View pending items list

  3. Click on an item to review

  4. Verify the information is complete

  5. Enter storage location: “Student Affairs Office, 1st Floor, Locker A-3”

  6. Click “Approve”

  7. The item is now visible to all users

Best Practices

For Students

  • Be Specific: Provide detailed descriptions to help identify your item

  • Accurate Location: Set the location as precisely as possible

  • Check Regularly: Review new items and respond to messages promptly

  • Use Threads: Communicate through item-specific threads for better organization

For Administrators

  • Verify Information: Check item details before approval

  • Set Storage Locations: Always specify where items are stored

  • Regular Review: Check pending items regularly

  • Clear Communication: Use clear, consistent storage location naming

Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Enter Key: Submit login form

  • Tab Key: Navigate between form fields

  • Escape Key: Close modals

Tips and Tricks

  • Map Navigation: * Use mouse wheel to zoom * Click and drag to pan * Double-click to zoom in

  • Image Upload: * Supported formats: JPG, PNG, GIF * Maximum size: 5MB * Images are stored as base64 encoded strings

  • Location Accuracy: * Use the map click to set precise coordinates * Adjust radius based on item size and location certainty

For more technical details, see Technical Overview and API Reference.