User Guide

This guide explains how to run the application once it is already set up. It covers starting the backend, frontend, and simulation components.

Step 1: Running the Unreal Engine Application

1. Locate the Blocks.exe file that you downloaded and extracted earlier.
2. Double-click Blocks.exe to run the simulation.
   • This does not require Unreal Engine to be installed and provides a ready-to-use simulation environment.

Step 2: Starting the Backend Server

1. Navigate to the backend folder where the application files are stored.
2. Activate the virtual environment:

source venv/Scripts/activate

3. Start the backend server by running:

py ./PythonClient/server/simulation_server.py

Step 3: Starting the Frontend Server

1. Navigate to the frontend folder of the project.
2. Start the frontend server with the following command:

npm start

3. Access the User Interface:
   • Open a web browser and navigate to http://localhost:3000 (or the URL displayed in your terminal).
   • This interface allows you to interact with the simulation, view data, and control the backend.

Step 4: Viewing the Reports

Once the simulation is complete, you can access the generated reports in multiple ways:

• If using the local saving version:
  • Navigate to the AirSim/report directory on your local machine to access the saved reports.
  • This directory will contain all generated reports and data logs for review.
• If using an online storage service:
  • Access the designated online storage location through your web browser or the service’s interface.
  • Reports and logs will be automatically uploaded to the configured online storage option.
• You can also use the frontend React app to view reports:
  • Navigate to the Reports Dashboard to view and analyze the reports directly within the application.