SurPlace — Verified Food Review App

SurPlace is a mobile app where users review restaurants and plates using live photo/video capture, with location verification support. Managers can manage restaurants, plates, images, and customer feedback.

Tech Stack

• Mobile: React Native / Expo
• Backend: Node.js / Express
• Database: MongoDB
• Media: Cloudinary
• Auth: JWT

Project Structure

• apps/api = backend
• apps/mobile = mobile app
• docs = documentation

Requirements

• Node.js
• npm
• MongoDB Community Server
• Expo Go
• Git

Install Dependencies

From the project root:

npm install

If PowerShell blocks npm, use:

npm.cmd install

Create Environment Files

Backend file:

apps/api/.env

PORT=5000
MONGODB_URI=mongodb://127.0.0.1:27017/verified-food-review
JWT_SECRET=local-demo-secret
JWT_EXPIRES_IN=7d
REVIEW_VERIFICATION_RADIUS_METERS=200
ENFORCE_LOCATION_VERIFICATION=false

Mobile file:

apps/mobile/.env

EXPO_PUBLIC_API_URL=http://YOUR_COMPUTER_IP:5000/api
EXPO_PUBLIC_CLOUDINARY_CLOUD_NAME=dqol2c4rp
EXPO_PUBLIC_CLOUDINARY_UPLOAD_PRESET=verified_food_upload
EXPO_PUBLIC_ENFORCE_LOCATION_VERIFICATION=false

To find your computer IP on Windows:

ipconfig

Use your IPv4 address.

Important:

• Your phone and computer must be on the same Wi-Fi network.
• Do not use localhost or 127.0.0.1 in apps/mobile/.env.

Start MongoDB

Windows:

Get-Service MongoDB
Start-Service MongoDB

Seed Demo Data

From the project root:

npm.cmd --workspace apps/api run seed

Start Backend

From the project root:

npm.cmd --workspace apps/api run dev

Swagger API docs are available at:

http://localhost:5000/api-docs

Expected output:

MongoDB connected
API listening on port 5000

Start Mobile

Open a second terminal from the project root:

npm.cmd --workspace apps/mobile run start:clear

Then scan the QR code with Expo Go.

Demo Accounts

Manager:

• Email: manager@verifiedfood.demo
• Password: Password123!

User:

• Email: alice@verifiedfood.demo
• Password: Password123!

Important Notes

• User reviews require one live photo or video.
• Gallery is blocked for user reviews.
• Managers can use camera or gallery for restaurant and plate images.
• Location verification exists but is disabled for demo.

To enable strict location checking later:

In apps/api/.env:

ENFORCE_LOCATION_VERIFICATION=true

In apps/mobile/.env:

EXPO_PUBLIC_ENFORCE_LOCATION_VERIFICATION=true

Common Errors

MongoDB connection refused:

• Start the MongoDB service.

Mobile cannot connect:

• Check your IP address.
• Make sure phone and computer are on the same Wi-Fi.
• Make sure the backend is running.
• Check if firewall is blocking port 5000.

Cloudinary upload fails:

• Check EXPO_PUBLIC_CLOUDINARY_CLOUD_NAME
• Check EXPO_PUBLIC_CLOUDINARY_UPLOAD_PRESET

Expo cache issue:

npm.cmd --workspace apps/mobile run start:clear