Category: Built Environment

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Built Environment Review Transportation

Review: Waymap Indoor and outdoor Navigation App

Washington, DC Metro Transit Deployment

Editor’s Note:

It is crucial to emphasize that while technology such as Waymap is a significant stride in enhancing independent indoor travel for individuals with vision loss, it does not substitute proper orientation and mobility training, nor the use of mobility aids like a white cane or guide dog. A combination of thorough training and location-based wayfinding technology offers a greater sense of independence and freedom for those with vision loss. As technology alone does not replace the essential training and aids that have long been instrumental in enabling independent navigation for persons who are blind or partially sighted.

Dear Inclusive Design Community,

On November 13, 2023, Cyan Kuo, our dedicated leader of user testing for McGill University’s IMAGE Project (link: https://image.a11y.mcgill.ca), found themselves in Washington, DC. With the assistance of Lauren Babinetz, Test Engineer (US) at Waymap, they seized the opportunity to navigate the city's transit system using the Waymap app (link: https://waymapnav.com), currently in the final stages of preparation for its launch. Special thanks to our colleagues, Julian Jackson of VisionBridge, and Jon Fink, Director of Digital Cities Testbed Centres, for playing a pivotal role in connecting Cyan with Celso Zuccollo, Waymap’s COO, and Lauren, who both graciously facilitated the Washington DC Waymap experience.

While Waymap has been somewhat off our radar recently, last month's announcement revealing its selection as the navigation app for Singapore’s transit authority caught our attention. This prompted us to check in and assess the progress of the Waymap deployment in Washington, DC.

As a quick reminder, on May 24, 2022, Waymap and WMATA announced their partnership to enhance inclusive and equitable train and bus travel in the Washington, DC Metro Area. The deployment is underway, covering 30 Metro train stations and nearly 1,000 bus stops.

During Cyan's exploration of two stations and a bus stop, they noted that the app maintained an impressive accuracy level, staying within one meter or less. It provided clear directions and dynamically adjusted the route to account for changes in elevation, ensuring a seamless interaction with little delay in the delivery of wayfinding instructions. Overall, it was an impressive experience.

In addition, the app is free to end-users, does not require an active data connection to work, and necessitates no venue infrastructure improvements.

However, we were disappointed to find no virtual navigation option. This functionality is beneficial for users who are blind or face challenges in navigating through visual cues, offering them the ability to virtually explore their routes before being on-site. This process fosters increased confidence and a better understanding of the venue surroundings, which can be challenging to grasp in real-time navigation. Ideally, the virtual navigation experience should provide a dead reckoning representation of the intended route, allowing users the option to identify points of interest during their exploration.

That aside, a big thank you to the Waymap Team for their innovation and dedication to improving the digital wayfinding experience for everyone.

Which raises the question: How can we work together to promote the expansion of the Waymap experience in our local communities?

Climate Resilience Planning Creates Unique Opportunity:

As reflected in Cyan’s experience, it is not unreasonable to speculate that the leaps forward in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) over the last couple of years are enhancing the improvement of functionality and precision within the Waymap app. That said, ingenious algorithms and smart device sensors are not the whole story explaining Waymap’s effectiveness in assisting users to navigate complex and unfamiliar spaces.

To understand the element that pulls everything together, we need to look at the app’s utilization of detailed geospatial mapping data to create a comprehensive understanding of the built environment the user needs to navigate. This includes not only Lidar point cloud scans but also architectural floor plans and repositories such as open street maps for outdoor wayfinding.

Interestingly, this major ingredient for dynamic accessible digital wayfinding is readily available through a yet untapped repository of thousands of cloud point scans of  buildings and venues across Canada being gathered as part of Public and Private Sector initiatives. These point clouds are instrumental in generating 3D models of buildings, providing architects, engineers, and designers with tools to assess climate resilience in the built environment. The point cloud scans used in this process present some interesting opportunities for venue managers and owners.

The versatility of these point cloud scans extends beyond their original purpose, as they can be repurposed by app developers like Waymap. This repurposing involves creating essential digital maps for both indoor and outdoor spaces, contributing significantly to enhanced accessibility and inclusion—a development aligning with the expectations outlined in the Accessible Canada Act.

How Does Waymap Work:

Waymap employs a combination of advanced technologies to deliver accurate and reliable navigation for individuals who are blind or partially sighted. Here's a brief overview of how the app works:

  • Audio-based Navigation: Waymap primarily relies on audio cues to guide users. Through the user's smartphone or wearable device, the app provides step-by-step instructions, informing them about the direction and distance to their destination.
  • Geospatial Mapping: The app utilizes detailed geospatial mapping data to create a comprehensive understanding of the environment. This includes not only outdoor spaces but also intricate floor plans for indoor locations.
  • Machine Learning for Route Directions: Waymap leverages machine learning algorithms to recognize and analyze real-time data from the device's sensors. This enables the app to identify accessible routes and provide instant feedback to the user.
  • Accessible User-Friendly Interface: Waymap boasts an intuitive and user-friendly interface designed with accessibility in mind. Users can easily input their destination, customize preferences, and receive clear, concise instructions.

Transformative Potential:

The Waymap navigation app is more than just a tool for getting from point A to point B. It represents a shift towards a more inclusive and accessible world for individuals who are blind or partially sighted. By providing a reliable and efficient means of navigation, Waymap empowers users to explore their surroundings, participate in social activities, and navigate public spaces with newfound independence.

In Conclusion:

Although real-life deployment and user experience in daily routines will be the ultimate review, my reflection on Waymap's journey, from my early stage of testing on the University of British Columbia Campus to its current state of readiness for commercialization, the progress is truly remarkable. The initial promise observed during beta testing has now transformed into a fully-fledged product. Yet, the ultimate measure of success lies in the acceptance it receives from users who are blind or partially sighted, as well as the commitment of venues to invest in its deployment.

Finally, if your organization is exploring the use of inclusive indoor and outdoor wayfinding solutions, we would welcome the opportunity to join your conversation. Our team at Gateway Navigation can be reached by email at partners@gnc3.com.

Sincerely, David Brun

  • Cofounder
  • Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd.
  • North Vancouver, BC, Canada

End of Document

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Categories
Built Environment Review Transportation

Navigating the Pros and Cons of Floating Bus Stop Design

Floating Bus Stops: An Exploration

Editor’s Note: In this post, we delve into the advantages and challenges of Floating Bus Stops, considering their impact on accessibility and drawing from my personal experience as an individual with a disability. To begin, let's clarify what a Floating Bus Stop entails: it's a design solution that incorporates a bus stop, pedestrian sidewalk, and a dedicated bike lane. Transit and city planners have been experimenting with this approach to accommodate safe bus pick-ups and drop-offs while maintaining bike lanes. Commuters using these bus stops must traverse the bike lane to access the floating stop or reach the pedestrian sidewalk.

Recently, I embarked on a journey of discovery to explore the concept of floating bus stops. My objective was to formulate a fact-based opinion on this recently implemented transportation solution. This exploration involved participating in a series of workshops organized by Urban Systems Inc., which were funded by BC Transit, TransLink, and the BC Ministry of Transportation. It also included on-site visits to floating bus stops in Metro Vancouver. Today, I am eager to share my insights and reflections on this matter.

First and foremost, I want to express my sincere appreciation to all the workshop participants. Special thanks go to individuals like Linda, Rob, Richard, Bruce, and many other volunteer stakeholders who generously shared their experiences. It's essential to recognize that these contributors often provide invaluable insights without financial compensation, raising questions about equitable remuneration. This issue seems to persist in our society, where paid consultants frequently take the lead, overshadowing the contributions of those most impacted by the policies under consideration.

During our discussions, one aspect that left me disheartened was the use of the term "inclusive bus stops" by Urban Systems Inc. facilitators to describe floating bus stops. As a longtime advocate for accessibility and inclusion, I feel compelled to clarify that this terminology is, at best, misleading and, at worst, a misnomer. Whether this term arises from ignorance or serves as a public relations strategy, it should be avoided.

From a technical standpoint, the concept of floating bus stops, which separates buses and cyclists into designated lanes, has its merits. It offers a safer and more efficient route for bus drivers, eliminating the need to navigate through traffic and reduces conflicts between buses and cyclists sharing the same lane. This aligns with the public's support for greener, healthier cities and the incorporation of bike lanes into urban design. It's worth noting that many visually impaired individuals enjoy tandem cycling with sighted friends and family, underscoring the importance of accommodating both cyclists and pedestrians.

However, the current design of floating bus stops unintentionally pits cyclists against individuals who are blind. This conflict arises from poor design rather than conflicting desires of these two groups. Public transportation by bus is universally accessible, catering to a diverse range of commuters, including individuals with disabilities, seniors, students, new immigrants and young families. BC Transit buses are designed to accommodate cyclists, wheelchair users, and provide support for blind individuals to navigate the system independently and safely. Discount passes also make bus travel more affordable for those with limited incomes.

For individuals with disabilities, who often rely on buses as their primary means of independent transportation, the need to cross a potentially hazardous area like a bike lane to access a bus creates a significant access barrier. Navigating to a floating bus stop is especially unsafe for blind and low vision pedestrians. Unlike crossing automobile traffic light-controlled intersections, where the sound of traffic flow patterns can be relied upon, crossing a bike lane lacks the sound cues that blind individuals rely on to determine when it is safe to cross. This situation leads to frustration and anger on both sides when a blind person enters the bike lane unexpectedly, causing conflicts with cyclists. Additionally, the lack of consistent adherence by a significant percentage of cyclists to the rules of the road, even with marked and signal-controlled crossings, creates uncertainty and anxiety for blind individuals when crossing a bike lane. Moreover, in my discussions outside of the workshops this is a common  concern shared  by many others.

Considering these points, it becomes evident that the concept of floating bus stops, in its current form, is deeply flawed. Placing high-risk interactions in the path of those who rely on the most accessible, inclusive, and universal mode of transportation is not a viable solution. While it may seem sustainable on paper, it disregards the concerns of the most vulnerable members of our community.

While our primary concerns have centered around the needs of commuters who are blind or have low vision, opposition to floating bus stops extends beyond this demographic. It encompasses various groups, including but not limited to wheelchair users, young families, and seniors, who share similar and additional  reservations and concerns.

In my understanding of city and transit planning, it's apparent that our community leaders need to actively listen, comprehend the issues, and guide city and transportation planners toward a better solution that does not involve floating bus stops. Placing high-risk interactions in the path of commuters on their way to access the most accessible and inclusive mode of transportation may seem enticing theoretically, but it falls short when examined in the practical light of day. It's time to prioritize safe transportation for all, rather than perpetuating conflicts and neglecting the concerns of the most vulnerable among us.

About the Author: David resides in North Vancouver with his wife, Karyn, and their teenage children, all avid transit users. David is also a co-founder of Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd, a company dedicated to advancing digital accessibility and inclusion in both the built environment and internet. To learn more about the type of  projects Gateway supports, you can visit the IMAGE Project and the Shared Reality Lab.

Contact David by email at david@gnc3.com with any questions, suggestions or feedback.

Categories
Built Environment Digital Information Review

Gateway Navigation’s Inclusive Design Community

Creating an Inclusive World:

Editor’s Note: Blog Post follows this time-sensitive volunteer opportunity for individuals who are blind or partially sighted and are involved in monitoring or trading in the stock market. Posted on July 14, 2023.

My name is Jano Fu, a Master’s student in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at McGill University, working on the IMAGE project (http://image.a11y.mcgill.ca), supervised by Professor Jeremy Cooperstock. We are presently tackling the problem of rendering multi-modal experiences to represent charts, aiming to enhance the accessibility and usability of stock trading platforms. To better understand the unique experiences and challenges faced by stock traders living with vision loss, we are seeking volunteers with some experience in this area who are willing to participate in an approximately one-hour interview. Our hope is to identify specific functionality that we may support to improve participation in financial market trading by individuals living with blindness or low vision. If you are interested and available, please let me know by reply email, indicating preferred dates and times that work for you over the coming weeks. If you would like additional information about the study or have any questions, please feel free to let us know by replying to jiaqi.fu@mail.mcgill.ca.

Gateway Navigation's Journey

Introduction:

Six years ago, Gateway Navigation set out on a mission to create a more accessible and inclusive world. By applying human-centered design principles to inclusive audio-based emerging technologies, our initial focus was on indoor wayfinding applications using Bluetooth low energy (BLE) beacons in the built environment. However, as the landscape of accessibility tools and applications evolved, so did our approach. In the past three years, we have shifted our focus to leverage innovations in mapping technologies, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and open-source code. This transformation has been made possible through strategic collaborations and partnerships with leading innovation hubs, industry, and academic institutions. At Gateway, we are committed to showcasing solutions that promote universal availability, provide free access to end-users, offer low economic costs for providers, and deliver sustainable and easily accessible applications at scale.

A Shift in Focus:

While keeping abreast of advancements made by companies and organizations in developing accessibility tools for accessing BLE beacons on iOS and Android devices, Gateway Navigation recognized the potential of integrating emerging technologies to create more inclusive experiences. This realization led us to pivot towards leveraging indoor digital mapping, Artificial Intelligence / Large Language Models, and open-source architecture. While incorporating audio and haptic feedback for the user experience, we aimed to enhance the accessibility of digital technologies in both virtual and physical environments for everyone.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships:

Gateway Navigation's ability to make this shift in focus and drive meaningful change was greatly expanded by collaborations with prominent innovation hubs and academic institutions. These strategic partnerships and collaborations include the ongoing IMAGE Project with the Shared Reality Lab at McGill University, exploring assistive technology innovations through the Digital Cities Testbed Centre network, which includes the University of British Columbia, Portland State University, and the University of Washington. Additionally, noteworthy contributions came from student-led projects at Cadillac Fairview's Waterfront Station in Vancouver and YVR domestic arrival terminal - Vancouver International Airport. Through a program run in conjunction with the British Columbia Institute of Technology's Universal Design initiative. All of these collaborations have enabled Gateway and our network of advisors to broaden our expertise, garner valuable research support, and access the necessary resources to push the boundaries of inclusivity.

Cutting-Edge Technology and Best Practices:

To achieve our vision of an inclusive world, Gateway Navigation works with cutting-edge technologies, incorporates best practices, actively engages end-user feedback, and whenever possible adheres to industry / National standards. The integration of AI, particularly large language models, provides the potential for expanded intelligent assistance, natural language interaction, and personalized experiences. Additionally, we are committed to human-centered design best practices and the philosophy of "nothing about us, without us," promoting transparency, collaboration, and community benefit.

Promoting Universal Availability and Accessibility:

At Gateway Navigation, our ultimate goal is to make inclusive technologies accessible to all. To achieve this, we prioritize universal availability, providing solutions that can be accessed by anyone regardless of their background, abilities, or resources. By offering free access to end-users, we break down barriers and empower individuals to engage with their environment and digital spaces more effectively. Simultaneously, we strive to minimize economic costs for providers, ensuring that organizations and businesses can embrace inclusive technologies without significant financial burdens.

Scaling Impact:

To create a lasting impact, it is essential to deliver sustainable and easily accessible applications at scale. Gateway Navigation is actively involved in showcasing and implementing solutions that address the needs of diverse users and environments. By collaborating with industry trailblazers, innovation hubs, and academic institutions, we gain valuable insights, conduct rigorous testing, and refine our understanding of technologies to ensure they meet the highest standards of quality and accessibility. Through ongoing research and development, we continuously iterate and improve our and industry applications, expanding their reach and impact.

Conclusion:

Six years since its founding, Gateway Navigation has evolved from focusing on indoor wayfinding applications using BLE beacons to becoming a driving force in creating inclusive experiences through inclusive digital mapping, AI integration, and open-source architecture. Through strategic collaborations and partnerships, we have harnessed cutting-edge technology and best practices to promote universal availability, provide free access to end-users, minimize economic costs for providers, and deliver sustainable and easily accessible applications at scale. With unwavering dedication to our mission, we actively contribute to building a more accessible and inclusive world for all people.

Coming Soon:

Gateway Navigation Universal Design Community

In addition to community chat and forums. Our Community will be organizing monthly workshops. Over the first six months, we will explore GTFS Pathways and Inclusive Digital Mapping; Climate Resilience Integrating Inclusion; ChatGPT, the Good, the Bad, and the Unknown; Carbon Footprints in the Cloud; Universal Design in the Built Environment; and IMAGE, a Case Study in Open-Source Code. Please contact us to learn more about the workshops or have suggestions for future topics at email: partners@gnc3.com.

Thank you for your time and support,

  • David Brun
  • Director / Co-Founder
  • Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd.
  • A Social Impact Company
  • Email: david@gnc3.com

 

Categories
Built Environment Innovation Uncategorized

Review: Goodmaps Explore Indoor Navigation App

Enhancing Independent Indoor Travel for People with Vision Loss

For people who are blind or low vision, navigating unfamiliar or complex indoor spaces can be a challenging task. However, over the last few years, there has been an emergence of location-based indoor wayfinding technology that has the potential to revolutionize how people with vision loss navigate indoor environments.

One such technology is Goodmaps Explore (Indoor), which I recently had the opportunity to test in a full deployment. While it does not replace traditional mobility aids such as a white cane or guide dog, it provides an experience that is as close to GPS as I have encountered indoors. For people with vision loss. This means greater independence and choice when traveling to places like the CNIB Offices located at the Royal Centre Mall in New Westminster, BC, Canada.

“Goodmaps now supports two separate Apps. Goodmaps Explore (indoor) and Goodmaps Outdoor”

The Goodmaps Explore deployment is the result of a collaboration between CNIB, Royal Centre Mall, and the Goodmaps Explore Team. This collaboration has resulted in a service benefiting both people who are blind and sighted.

As someone who has been involved in the development of location-based indoor wayfinding technology for many years, I have tested several other apps with promising results in trial situations. However, my experience with Goodmaps Explore has been the first full deployment I have had the opportunity to test, and I am impressed with its potential.

It is important to note that while technology like Goodmaps is a step forward in enhancing independent indoor travel for people with vision loss, it does not replace good orientation and mobility training. Proper training, combined with location-based wayfinding technology, can provide a greater sense of independence and freedom for people with vision loss.

My Experience Testing Goodmaps Explore (indoor) App

Recently, I joined ten other participants who were blind or low vision, with a mix of self-guiding, white cane, and guide dog users. The route we were to navigate took us from the second-floor CNIB office main meeting room down to the main floor entrance to Royal Centre Mall and then returning to the CNIB meeting room where we began our journey. The length of the route was about 350 meters in both directions.

Julia Bonnet from the CNIB and Mike May from Goodmaps began the morning by providing a high-level overview of the Goodmaps Explore app. They took the participants through the process of downloading and setting preferences for the app. Mike mentioned that he used a lanyard to hold his smartphone and its camera at chest level for hands-free use of the app.

I had been using a beta version of Goodmaps via TestFlight. But Mike informed me that the beta version was not being actively updated, and I should use the publicly available store app, which I did on my iPhone SE (2nd generation). Once Goodmaps updated to the public version, the app immediately identified the Royal Centre Mall as the closest Goodmaps enabled venue. FYI: the app is available in both iOS and Android formats.

Julia asked all participants to set their route preference to "no steps," which meant escalators and stair routes were not included as part of any journey. Instead, we would all be routed via Royal Centre Mall elevators. This is a great feature for people with mobility challenges, but I thought it was an unnecessary requirement given the highly mobile group of participants.

Both downloading the app and setting preferences were easy. However, the setting of the starting location and destination were a little more time-consuming, for which Julia provided some suggestions for streamlining. Mike indicated that the user experience piece for setting routes was being improved for future versions. That said, we were able to select destinations dependent on the floor they were located, which reduced the number of destinations to scroll.

I was paired up with John, a white cane user, and I was traveling with my guide dog Parker. John and I decided not to use headsets with our phones, using the voice-over audio of our phones as a means to stay connected, rather than having to check on each other's location during the route.

Before we started the route, Mike mentioned that the app had occasionally shut down when in use and asked us to let him know of any similar occurrences. This did happen with me when trying to set the return journey from the main Mall entrance. That said, it was fairly simple to restart the app, and it is something the developers are aware of and working to resolve.

Once the button was pressed to start the route, Mike suggested keeping our smartphone cameras pointed towards the ground, which puts the app into a pause mode. Then, lifting the smartphone camera to be pointed directly forward initiates the app. When activated, it asked me to scan the room to establish my location. The app then confirmed and provided the beginning of my route to move forward four meters, updating the directions as we moved through our journey.

John, using his white cane, traveled a little slower than the pace I traveled with my guide, which worked to John's benefit, as the lag time between the app registering its location and the next set of directions lagged behind the pace I was traveling.

The sporadic lag time in directions and at times long delay between instructions is the major hurdle the Goodmaps Team need to overcome. That said, with a little patience it is a very effective tool in guiding users through a journey.

In addition, the high battery power consumption by the app is also important for users to be aware and take steps to conserve power or have a recharger at hand. Found about ten percent power drain for every ten minutes of use with my iPhone SE.

Within Goodmaps, there is also a link to the remote assistant app “Be My Eyes”. Users can connect if they need assistance to identify there surroundings or help with other visual information required.

In regard to Goodmaps Explore virtual map option. I found the feature lacking in flexibility. I had previously used the Accessibuild App. Which provided instructions for the whole journey in steps or metres along with the option to identify all stores, room numbers and architectural elements that could assist in your real time journey. Found this type of information really useful for trip planning and hope it will be expanded upon in Goodmaps Explore.

Summary

We used the Goodmaps Explore App to navigate a route from the CNIB office to the Royal Centre Mall main entrance and back. Participants were given an overview of the app by Julia Bonnet from CNIB and Mike May from Goodmaps before setting preferences and downloading the app. The app was easy to download and preferences were easy to set. However, the process of selecting starting and destination locations was a little time-consuming. The app occasionally shut down during use but was easy to restart. The main hurdle was the lag time in directions and at times long delay between instructions. Battery power consumption was high, and the Goodmaps virtual map option was found lacking in flexibility. Despite these challenges, the app was effective in guiding users through the journey.

Finally, I want to give a thumbs up to CNIB, Royal Centre Mall, and Goodmaps Explore Team for their partnership and collaboration in enhancing independent indoor travel for everyone. Keep up the great work, and I look forward to exploring your future venues.

For more information on Goodmaps Explore (indoor) and to download the app, click on the following link: https://goodmaps.com/apps/explore

In our comments section. Please share your comments and experiences using Goodmaps Explore.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post and keep Exploring the fabulous world around us.

  • David Brun
  • Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd.
  • North Vancouver, BC
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Categories
Built Environment Innovation Transportation

Accessible Digital Wayfinding

Making Complicated Transit Hubs Easier to Navigate

In our role  as a social impact company. Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd. has been promoting the technology of accessible digital augmented reality (AR) wayfinding since 2017. Which is why we are so excited with the ground-breaking work being implemented by tech start up companies, Waymap, Accessibuild and Goodmaps. Using standardized accessible digital maps of the built environment to create inclusive digital wayfinding tools.

These companies are applying their innovative and unique proprietary solutions, enabling all users to navigate with confidence and enhancing the opportunities for everyone  to explore and better understand their surroundings. These initiatives are being supported by forward thinking and socially progressive municipalities elsewhere in the world. However, across Canada, it is only a handful of public institutions and private corporations that have recognized the importance of universal accessibility and have taken the lead. While this is encouraging, these scattered islands of accessibility can only be connected if municipal and regional institutions step up.

Recently, Gateway Navigation partnered with Waymap, Accessibuild and wayfinding experts at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), to respond to an RFP call for submissions from TransLink for an accessible digital wayfinding pilot for Vancouver Metro Transit. The proposal outlined a pilot to use the Accessibuild digital mapping expertise with the Waymap app at Waterfront Station, one of Metro Vancouver’s busiest transit interchanges.

To implement these solutions in BC and across Canada, we need local and regional governments, transit authorities and others to step up as they recently did in Washington DC. The attached article and interview, with Tom Pey, CEO Waymap, describes the accessibility service now being implemented by Washington DC Metro across its entire network of stations and bus stops.

App to Help Blind People Navigate Public Transit to Debut in Washington – Inside Telecom - Inside Telecom

It remains our vision to implement a similar digital navigation system across the transit system in Metro Vancouver.

How can you help? Share our vision with your friends, family and colleagues.

For more information email us at partners@gnc3.com

Happy travels,.

The Team at Gateway Navigation.