The Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority is partnering with GoodMaps, launching a smartphone app that helps passengers navigate the airport and offers an alert system paired with the airport’s central dispatch to guide them during an emergency.
GoodMaps Christian Dospil ran demonstrations onsite.
“Our whole goal is to help people confidently move from point to point indoors using only a smartphone camera. With no additional infrastructure required, we provide turn-by-turn guidance through audio instructions, augmented reality visuals and haptic feedback.
Taylor Derusha with the Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired is a legally blind traveler who has heard of GoodMaps but hasn’t been able to use it anywhere in West Michigan until now.
“Especially at a place like an airport which is well-known in the visually impaired community to be a scary thing to have to navigate.”
After trying out a demo, Derusha is excited about the possibilities.
“Many of us love to be independent so this allows that. We can feel just like a regular traveler… Knowing this is here, it makes me feel excited, makes me want to plan a trip!”
The GoodMaps app is free to download on iOS and Android devices.
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