Category: News

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Internet News Project

Influencing Change Begins with Participation

McGill Shared Reality Lab Is Recruiting Users of the Internet Who Are Blind, Deaf-Blind or Low Vision to Participate in the IMAGE Project

McGill University in Partnership with Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd and the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB) is seeking individuals with lived experience to participate in the planning, design, testing and trialing of assistive technology.  This technology is being developed to enable persons who are blind, deaf-blind, or low vision to more independently, quickly, and effortlessly interpret currently inaccessible graphical image content published to the internet.

Through a quarterly consultation process, participants will provide online and possible in-person feedback to the McGill Research Team. There will be a number of consultations starting with initial feedback on the planned R&D to be undertaken and ending with participants trialing the beta versions of the assistive technology developed.  The first two quarterly consultations are expected to require approximately one hour to complete. As the project progresses, and the developed products advance towards commercialization, two to three hours per quarter will be required.

Beyond the requirement that participants have lived experience in the area of using non-visual technology to access the internet, those with all levels of skill and knowledge are encouraged to participate. Participation is on a voluntary basis.

No compensation is being offered for your participation, but all participants will be kept updated on our progress and be able to use the assistive technology software prototypes being developed, with our thanks and acknowledgement of their individual contribution to the success of this project.

At present, we are recruiting only participants aged 18 years and above. Those interested in participating or learning more about the project are invited to take part in our initial questionnaire at the links listed below:

Survey in English

Sondage en français

McGill Image Project Website

For more information on Gateway Navigation’s role in the IMAGE Project or the other projects and services we support. Visit our website at www.gnc3.com or email us at image@gnc3.com

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News Project

#NAW: National Accessibility Week and our New Initiatives

Working Together to Remove Barriers

At Gateway Navigation we live and breathe inclusion, accessibility, and sustainability 365 days of the year. National Accessibility Week #NAW. Reminds us to take this moment to share with everyone. The exciting initiatives we are partnering to create a Barrier Free Canada as imagined  by persons who live disability everyday.

McGill IMAGE (Internet Multi-Modal Access to Graphical Exploration) Project

On Wednesday, June 2nd McGill University and Gateway Navigation joined the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB), weekly national Zoom meeting Getting Together with Technology (GTT).

The presentation was an overview of the IMAGE Project. Being led by McGill University’s Shared Reality Lab. In strategic partnership with Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd and the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB). The project, funded by Innovation Science Economic Development Canada through the Assistive Technology Program.

The presentation kicked off the McGill IMAGE project’s outreach to all internet users who are blind, deaf-blind, or low vision. The project is actively recruiting volunteer participants to work with the research team, in developing tools for exploring internet graphical images. The vast majority of which are not accessible to non-visual users.

The project’s objective is to develop multi-modal feedback (audio, touch, and vibration) tools enabling users to gain a deeper understanding that is equal or superior to their sighted peers.

To get involved or for more information click on the link below:

https://bach.cim.mcgill.ca/atp/

Public Services Procurement Canada (PSPC) Seminar

On Friday, June 4th we co-presented to Public Services Procurement Canada (PSPC) Office Small Medium Enterprise (OSME) in Pacific Region.

A one-hour seminar focused on the built environment and digital inclusion. Titled Designing Welcoming Communities. A Case Study in Action. Presentation panelists included experts on sustainable architectural design, digital 3D modeling, assistive technology, and venue management.

The workshop covered inclusive audio-based augmented reality and sustainability. Including a case study review and interactive demonstration of the Accessibuild / CF Pacific Centre Mall digital indoor wayfinding app pilot currently being beta tested in downtown Vancouver.

Jim Taggart FRAIC Introductory Remarks to Presentation:

As a former architect who left the profession because of a degenerative eye condition, I have multiple reasons to be interested in the evolution of digital technology that can facilitate interior navigation for those who cannot see.  In my current role, as both a Director of Gateway Navigation and the editor of Sustainable Architecture and Building Magazine, I am in the unique and privileged position to help bridge the gap between the building designers and building users.

Over the past few years, we have seen interior navigation  technology develop from the physical installation of blue tooth beacons with their restricted range of transmission, installation, and maintenance costs; through wi-fi fingerprinting, more flexible in its application but subject to inconsistencies in transmission and reception; to a flexible, economic, unobtrusive, and reliable Lidar scanning system - which we will hear more about in a few minutes.

From an architect’s perspective, Lidar offers maximum flexibility as the data it uses can either be sourced from a virtual 3-D model of the building as it is being designed; or acquired through an in-person scan  of the completed building. While this still leaves us assembling the necessary data one building at a time, both the acquisition process and accessibility for users is simpler and more flexible.

While COVID has certainly heightened the architectural profession’s interest in universal access, this interest has been growing for some time. I believe the profession is looking for guidance on this issue and, in some cases, architectural firms are ahead of the legislative curve. Major firms are seeking certification from the Rick Hansen Foundation for example, even though this is a voluntary standard. In one case, a firm that specializes in the design of community centres and swimming pools has created an open standard for the design of universal change rooms, because no such standard is available elsewhere

I believe all this positions us at a very exciting point in the evolution of building design, with the momentum around universal accessibility growing rapidly as information is shared and new initiatives undertaken.

If you have questions or would like more information on the pilot or workshop please contact us by email at: partners@gnc3.com

An exciting week of announcements and projects dedicated to removing barriers and creating inclusive, accessible, and sustainable solutions.

Visit our website to find out more about us and our services at link: www.gnc3.com/about

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Categories
Awareness News

Access Radio’s SoapBox Interview

60-Minute Podcast: discover Everything you need to know about digital indoor navigation

Well, maybe not everything, but without a doubt many of the high points to give a good understanding of the technology and the far-reaching benefits it offers in creating inclusive and welcoming venues for everyone.
Join Access Radio’s, Soapbox host extraordinaire Amy Amantea for an in-depth discussion on indoor navigation, accessibility and inclusion recorded on Wednesday, March 31, 2021.
Amy is joined by Jeff Godfrey, General Manager, Y4U developer of the Accessibuild app / platform, Brian Bibault, Assistive Tech advocate and David Brun, Co-Founder Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd, specializing in inclusive audio-based indoor and outdoor navigation systems.
Click the link below to hear the conversation:
https://www.spreaker.com/user/10551881/soapbox-march-31-final
Thank you to Amy and Access Radio for providing their platform to help us spread the word on the social, environmental, and economic benefits offered via inclusive indoor and outdoor navigation systems.
For more information and to continue the conversation email us at partners@gnc3.com

 

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News Project

Inclusive Audio-Based Indoor Navigation Pilot

Update: CF-Pacific Centre Pilot A Case Study

In December 2020, we announced the pilot underway at CF-Pacific Centre. In partnership with:

Y4U, creators of the Accessibuild app to assist people with disabilities to navigate the built environment more easily and confidently around them.  Y4U Technologies Inc. is a North Bay, Ontario company specializing in 3D architectural modeling and software development.

Canadian Council of the Blind is a member-based organization of people who are blind, deaf-blind, or visually impaired. The National Office in Ottawa supports over 70 chapters across Canada with many objectives including awareness, education, and accessibility.

Cadillac Fairview possesses one of North America’s finest portfolios of retail and office properties including their flagship malls across Canada.

Gateway Navigation is a member and supplier of Buy Social Canada committed to building business relationships that generate social benefits to communities across the country. Upholding standards, best practices, and the Accessible Canada Act Principle of “nothing about us; without us” in the implementation of inclusive audio-based indoor navigation systems.

Overview

Objective of the pilot is to create an inclusive audio-based interactive indoor wayfinding system that is accessible to everyone. While providing a case study for implementing a solution economically sustainable and scalable for venue owners and managers to implement across Canada and globally.

Design and implementation of the Accessibuild CF-Pacific Centre App Pilot can be categorized into five progressive stages:

  • Gather venue LiDAR data.
  • Create 3D architectural map of venue.
  • Convert 3D map and download to Accessibuild platform.
  • Test and trial Alpha and Beta Versions of the app.
  • Launch of App and ongoing feedback by venue and app users.

Stage: 1: Gather Venue LiDAR Data

As outlined in the December 16, 2020 post, early in December, Kickstart, a local BC company specializing in LiDAR scan technology, worked a night shift compiling one hundred and twenty laser light scans of Cadillac Fairview’s flagship mall in Vancouver, CF Pacific Centre. The mall stretches three city blocks, starting at Robson Street to the south and extending to Pender Street at the north, including the large food court connecting the Mall to the Heritage Hudson Bay Building.

The highly accurate data gathered using LiDAR scans produces data accurate up to a millimetre or the thickness of a dime.

To view the full December announcement, click here to read.

What is LiDAR technology click here for more information.

Stage 2: Create 3D architectural map of Venue

Y4U has a high level of expertise in converting the point cloud data gathered through the LiDAR scan of the venue and converting it into an industry standard 3D architectural map. Including labeling of architectural elements such as doorways, stairs, elevators, floor surfaces, wall fixtures, chairs, tables, etc. All with an accuracy within millimetres.

Stage 3: Convert 3D map and download to Accessibuild platform

In February 2021, Y4U converted the data point cloud gathered by the LiDAR scans into a digital 3D architectural map of the main level of CF Pacific Centre. They then download the essential elements of that map to their Accessibuild platform, following the voluntary standards set out in the Consumer Technology Association. Outlined in the recommendations of the CTA inclusive indoor and outdoor audio-based navigation system for all persons.

What is the CTA standard click here for more information?

Stage 4: Test and trial Alpha and Beta Versions of the app

In March 2021, Y4U will release the Alpha version of the Pilot’s App to the project partners for feedback and recommendations. Software goes through two stages of testing before it is considered finished. The first stage, called alpha testing, is often completed only by a small group of users involved in the project and does not contain all the features to be included in the beta and final version.

The Beta version testing will begin later in March or early April with a group of stakeholders as part of the pilot’s co-design commitment and recommendations stated in the CTA standard and Accessible Canada Act.

A co-design approach permits a wide range of people to make a creative contribution in the formulation and solution of a problem. This is elaborated upon in the ITU / Wayfinddr open standard and it’s supporting certificate program.

What is the ITU Wayfindr Open Standard click here for more information?

What is the ITU Wayfindr certificate program click here for more information?.

Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd. personnel, who have overseen the collaboration from inception, will then engage with Cadillac Fairview, local community stakeholders, accessibility consultants and orientation mobility professionals to beta test the Accessibuild app and platform. Feedback from that engagement will result in recommendations to enhance the audio-based augmented reality experience delivered to users.

Beta timeline may be delayed depending on local COVID restrictions in effect. However, initial testing will be possible through the virtual exploration feature of the app.

Stage 5: Launch of App and ongoing feedback by venue and app users

Progressing through the pilot, we look forward to providing updates leading up to and following the launch of the Accessibuild app late Spring 2021. This includes ongoing feedback through actively engaging experiences and recommendations from Accessibuild app users. Helping to ensure the ABN result meets users needs, is inclusive and accessible.

Many thanks to Kim Ficocelli, General Manager CF-Pacific Centre and the exceptional team at Cadillac Fairview for their commitment and willingness to partner with us on this community project. Thanks also to David Martin who took the time to write the letter to introduce Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd. to the Cadillac Fairview team.

Please feel free to contact us at: mailto:partners@gnc3.comwith any questions, feedback or leads for future projects.

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Categories
Awareness Innovation News

CF Pacific Centre Mall: Inclusive Audio-Based Indoor Navigation Pilot

In 2021, A New Inclusive Shopping Experience is Coming to CF Pacific Centre in Downtown Vancouver

Smartphone users will be able to navigate the interior of Cadillac Fairview’s CF Pacific Centre using an interactive app called Accessibuild. Jeff Godfrey, the app developer, explains, “users will be able to complete journeys in real time or virtually. The app provides directions and instructions from a starting point until the user arrives at their destination. Providing an experience like outdoor GPS but indoors. Unlike other apps that use a purely graphic interface, this one is fully accessible to persons who are blind”.

Lillian Tummonds, General Manager, and her team at CF Pacific Centre have been collaborating with Y4U / Accessibuild and Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd to implement this first of its kind pilot in Canada.

David Brun, Founder of Gateway Navigation a community contribution company in partnership with the Canadian Council of the Blind, describes the recent innovations in creating highly accurate architectural models, “as the game changer in providing accurate wayfinding that delivers a unique augmented reality experience for all users.”

What has happened so far?

Early in December, Kickstart, a local BC company specializing in LiDAR scan technology, worked a night shift compiling one hundred and twenty laser light scans of Cadillac Fairview’s flagship mall in Vancouver, CF Pacific Centre. The mall stretches three city blocks, starting at Robson Street to the south and extending to Pender Street at the north, including the large food court connecting the Mall to the Heritage Hudson Bay Building.

This location has long been considered the epicentre of downtown Vancouver. The adjacent Canada Line SkyTrain Station bears the name City Centre. A fitting starting point for creating accessible and inclusive indoor wayfinding for all downtown Vancouver’s shoppers and visitors.

In September 2020 Y4U / Accessibuild and Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd. joined a conversation with Cadillac Fairview that had been initiated by David Martin, a tenant in 701 West Georgia Street, an office tower connected to the Mall. Due to David’s own personal experience of growing up with his mother, Maureen, blind from the advancement of Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), he recognized the potential impact of accessible audio-based indoor navigation for the users of such an important community space in Vancouver. He appreciates the benefits his mother and other family members with vision impairment would get from being more independent and confident in navigating their trips to local shops and venues at CF Pacific Centre.

Hence, a single letter initiated a conversation, that in turn identified a common vision, and has now transformed into a pilot project that will provide greater access and inclusion for everyone.

What are the next steps?

In February 2021, Y4U will have converted the data point cloud gathered by the LiDAR scans into a digital 3D architectural map of the main level of CF Pacific Centre. They will then download the essential elements of that map to their Accessibuild platform, following the voluntary standards set out by the Computer Technology Association (as included in the recommendations of the CTA inclusive indoor and outdoor audio-based navigation system for all persons).

Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd. personnel, who have overseen the collaboration from inception, will then engage with Cadillac Fairview, local community stakeholders, accessibility consultants and orientation mobility professionals to beta test the Accessibuild app and platform. Feedback from that engagement will result in recommendations to enhance the audio-based augmented reality experience delivered to users.

As we progress through the pilot, we look forward to providing updates leading up to the launch of the Accessibuild app in the Spring of 2021.

Many thanks to the exceptional team at Cadillac Fairview for their commitment and willingness to partner with us on this community project. Thanks also to David Martin who took the time to write the letter to introduce Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd. to the Cadillac Fairview team.

Please feel free to contact us by e-mail at: partners@gnc3.com with any questions, feedback or leads for future projects.

David Brun, Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd.

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New Product 2020 IABN News

Goodmaps: Inclusive Audio-Based Navigation Platform and App

Goodmaps Explorer: Evolving Outdoor / Indoor Navigation for Everyone

Like the mythical guide creatures in Pokémon.  Nearby explorer, an industry leading audio-based navigation app developed by the American Printing House for the Blind - APH. Has spawn the evolution of a new company, Goodmaps and an innovative app. Meet, Goodmaps Explorer, a seamless indoor and outdoor navigation app.  Combining robust and dynamic outdoor wayfinding capabilities with a revolutionary indoor camera positioning technology.

First, great news for users, the app is free to download. However, be aware that as with other GPS apps it does have an appetite for battery and data. So, keep a check on your smartphone data plan usage and have an extra charge for your battery, if out exploring for a while. Also take advantage of any Wi-Fi free zones to save on data costs.

Second, lots of great features. Quick and easy to understand tutorials to get you out and exploring. Ability to set a virtual location to do look around of nearby points of interest. Setting of filters has been replace with the use of generic keywords in the search field and an option if needing a little help to connect via your smartphone’s camera with a remote volunteer at Be My Eyes. Lots of great features to make getting around easier and safer.

Finally, although the indoor navigation positioning technology sounds exciting and looking forward to exploring a venue with the app’s camera vision technology. Reality right now is that there are likely few venues in your local community that support the technology like Goodmaps yet. The important word here is yet. Apple, Google, Goodmaps, other app developers including Accessibuild / Waymap and Gateway Navigation are working hard to promote the availability of venues that support indoor navigation. For more information on these efforts click on the blog posts below:

Article 3D Digital Mapping Interior Spaces:

https://gnc3.com/lidar-3d-indoor-mapping-inclusive-audio-based-navigation-systems/

Article Sharing Venue Mapping Data

https://gnc3.com/open-geospatial-consortium-ogc-inclusive-indoor-navigation-systems/

The Goodmaps Explorer app is currently only available for download as an IOS version. But understand an Android version should be out soon. For iPhone or iPad users, click on the following link to download:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/goodmaps-explore/id1524698552.

Enjoy exploring your world with your new guide.

Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd is dedicated to the acceleration and availability of inclusive indoor and outdoor navigation systems for all persons. Please contact us at the following email with any questions or comments you would like to share: partners@gnc3.com

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Awareness News Standard

Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC): Inclusive Indoor Navigation Systems

Working Together for the Common Good: Standardizing IMDF

OGC members, including Google, are supporting Apple’s, Indoor Mapping Data Format (IMDF) to be recognized as the industry’s standard for open indoor digital map information. Other Consortium Members including Autodesk, Esri, New York City Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DOITT), Ordnance Survey Limited, and Safe Software also supported the submission
IMDF enables mobile-compatible and user-friendly information for any indoor space, providing a basis for orientation, navigation, and the augmenting of an individual’s understanding of their surroundings.
Agreeing to an industry standard enables venues to share and/or register their location information to a multitude of navigation / wayfinding app developers. Essentially, marketing the venue and services it offers to the widest audience possible.
Apple IMDF Overview
“Indoor Mapping Data Format provides a generalized, yet comprehensive model for any indoor location, providing a basis for orientation, navigation and discovery. In the current release there are also detailed instructions for modeling the spaces of an airport, a shopping mall, and a train station.
Developers can access both text and visual examples of all features, along with clear explanations of all terms. IMDF conforms to RFC 7946, ensuring compatibility and transferability of the data. IMDF is lightweight, mobile friendly, and can be rendered on any device, OS, or browser.
For GIS and BIM specialists, there is support for IMDF in many of your favorite tools.
IMDF maps integrated with indoor positioning can establish the foundation for a wide range of consumer and enterprise location-based apps and websites.” (excerpt apple website)
Building owners and managers implementing the development of the digital mapping data, IMDF Standard for their venue. Along with the ITU and CTA international standards for creating inclusive audio-based indoor and outdoor navigation systems for all persons. Are not only addressing the spirit and regulatory requirements under the Accessible Canada Act. They are welcoming the 22% of working age Canadians with a disability to work, learn and enjoy the services and products supported at their location.For more information on the use and importance of standards for building welcoming, accessible, and inclusive environments for everyone. Contact Gateway Navigation at email partners@gnc3.com.
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New Product 2020 IABN News

AccessiBuild: Inclusive Audio-Based Navigation Systems

Interior Mapping Platform Creating Inclusive Wayfinding Environments

The AccessiBuild indoor navigation system launched January 2020.

Editor’s Note: Like Waymap developed in the UK and US. This Canadian built product uses steps as the navigating measurement for independent wayfinding in complex or unfamiliar spaces. The platform provides user's with direction and distance information through an innovative interior mapping system.

January 7, 2020 11:00 AM By: Colleen Romaniuk

Jeff Godfrey is doing his best to ensure a barrier-free Canada. The general manager of Y4U Technologies in North Bay has created a platform to solve the issue of building accessibility for those who are blind or partially sighted.

He discovered that high unemployment rates and low incomes are persistent problems among this demographic. One of the reasons for this is inaccessible workplaces.

After Bill C-81 was passed in June 2018, Godfrey took a closer look at the accessible building models currently available to the public. He realized that he had the chance to create something, using a sustainable development model, that would address the problem that exists with building navigation.

"I saw an opportunity to innovate on the existing information and technology that we had to have a positive social impact," said Godfrey. Working with his employer, SRP Building Products, Godfrey and his business partner, Marc Rayner, started to develop AccessiBuild, an indoor navigation system geared towards the visually impaired, in 2019.

The team uses architectural software to create detailed digital maps of physical spaces. The maps are then uploaded onto the platform and made available for download. Anyone who downloads the mobile app on their phone can access the blueprints.

Although the creators are targeting those with visual impairments right now, anyone can use it. They hope to continue to adapt the software in the future for other demographics, including people who use wheelchairs or speak other languages.

Distance and bearings measurements can be customized to suit the user's needs. For example, the app can tell the user how many steps to take to the next door, and whether they should orient themselves left or right.

Using SRP's LiDAR technology, which uses light detection and ranging, the company builds 3D models of spaces that are accurate up to three millimetres. The end product is a streamlined app that makes navigating indoor spaces much easier.

The company's goal is to practice sustainable development. In other words, they want to create technology that will have a positive impact on the world socially, economically, and environmentally.

AccessiBuild is meant to be less cumbersome and expensive than existing technologies on the market. 3D models of physical spaces produce huge data sets which need to be converted and compressed to be useful to someone without access to architectural software.

Godfrey and Rayner have sought to simplify the process. AccessiBuild is free to use, which is important for those without much disposable income. Buildings will pay an initial fee to have their layouts mapped. The company has been working with various organizations and local users to test the platform.

Brian Bibeault, committee chair of the Municipal Accessibility Advisory Committee in North Bay, has been acting as the company's main tester, providing valuable feedback and guidance throughout the development process. CNIB Sudbury's program lead for accessible technology, Victoria Francis, has also been on board. Godfrey has built nothing into the software that they haven't approved first. “I can't imagine the difficulties that they have as a sighted person,” said Godfrey. “We've had to make adjustments, but the feedback has been very positive and encouraging.”

The company has also opened testing to tech trainers in the Canadian Council of the Blind.

The software will be launched on Jan. 10, 2020 at 176 Lakeshore, Co-Working Offices, which also happens to be the first AccessiBuild-enabled building on the platform. The commercial space is “very inclusive and community-oriented,” so Godfrey figured it was a great place to develop this kind of software.

For more information on principles and best practices and how they can be applied to create inclusive and accessible solutions by app developers, venue managers or users. Please feel free to contact us at Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd via email: partners@gnc3.com

Categories
News

Projects: Inclusive Audio-Based Navigation Systems

Person in suit uses white cane held downward in right hand. In left hand smartphone is held at chest level with headset wires plugged in.

It's Not A Checklist - It's Human Centred Design

Editors note: Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd., in support of White Cane Week 2020 we have created a series of articles highlighting information on innovations, standards, projects and advocacy related to indoor audio-based navigation Systems. Gateway Navigation provides consultant services that engage stakeholders and partners in creating human centred, well-engineered and inclusive wayfinding solutions.

White Cane Week 2020 is Sunday, February 2nd through Saturday, February 8thThis important week of community outreach and raising public awareness by the members and friends of the Canadian Council of the Blind. Shares information on the programs, services and advocacy promoting an inclusive and barrier free Canada for all persons who are blind, deaf-blind and visually impaired.

Projects: Inclusive Audio-Based Navigation Systems

Unlike the concept of an accessibility checklist or rating scale. Successful Inclusive audio-based navigation systems apply a human centred approach. That begins with an accessibility assessment. Exploring the built environment's four wayfinding features; being architectural, graphic, tactile and audible elements. Providing a framework to integrate accessible and inclusive navigation solutions of exterior and interior spaces.

The desired outcome of reliable, consistent and impactful projects is achieved by viewing them through a holistic lens, supporting successful well-engineered indoor and outdoor audio-based navigation systems rooted in:

  • Principles of universal design
  • Knowledge and expertise in the components to create well-engineered audio-base solutions for persons who are blind, deaf-blind or visually impaired
  • Principles of co-design
  • User research and testing through trials
  • Interoperability and compatibility of systems
  • Ongoing analysis of user, partner and other stakeholder feedback

Integrating these best practices and principles to create an orientation story that guides users with reliable and consistent information as set out in both the ITU and CTA standards for audio-based wayfinding. Will result in audio-based systems that truly augment the user’s understanding of their surroundings.

In many cases, even with venues that have implemented accessibility services such as Aira. Which is currently the most widely available inclusive audio-based navigation system. A service that connects blind and low-vision people to highly trained, remotely located agents. Can fall short in providing reliable and consistent user experiences. Due to lack of standardized information to assist agents in navigating users through the venue's interior spaces. Solutions to more effectively integrate information is available to assist human agents and machine learning technology. But it requires a holistic approach to integrate both low tech and high-tech strategies for the most sustainable and impactful outcome.

That being said, a little information is better than no information. Venues can begin moving forward with simple steps. Such as developing an orientation story for the venue and post to their accessibility website page. This information identifies the most accessible routes and how to deliver this information to their clients, customers and employees in an inclusive format.

For more information on principles and best practices and how they can be applied to create inclusive and accessible solutions by app developers, venue managers or users. Please feel free to contact us at Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd via email: partners@gnc3.com

 

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Innovation New Product 2020 IABN News

Waymap App: Inclusive Audio-Based Navigation Systems

One Step Forward: Advancing Sustainable and Reliable Wayfinding Technology for Persons Who Are Blind

Editors note: Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd., in support of White Cane Week 2020 we have created a series of articles highlighting information on innovations, standards, projects and advocacy related to indoor audio-based navigation Systems. Gateway Navigation provides consultant services that engage stakeholders and partners in creating human centred, well-engineered and inclusive wayfinding solutions.

White Cane Week 2020 is Sunday, February 2nd through Saturday, February 8thThis important week of community outreach and raising public awareness by the members and friends of the Canadian Council of the Blind. Shares information on the programs, services and advocacy promoting an inclusive and barrier free Canada for all persons who are blind, deaf-blind and visually impaired.

Innovation: Inclusive Audio-Based Navigation Systems

The challenge of orientation to indoor environments and Indoor Navigation for individuals with disabilities for people who are blind or visually impaired, obtaining and using information to support independent travel and finding directions to walk around public spaces and buildings is a critical requirement.

Up until now, GPS, BLE Beacons and Wi-Fi have been the main technology players in the journey to delivering reliable, accurate and economically sustainable indoor audio-based navigation networks.  Unfortunately, none have been able to break through with wide market acceptance. The good news and what we wanted to share, is the wait may be over!

Cambridge Consultants and its parent organization Altran are global leaders in Engineering and R&D services. Utilizing a recent breakthrough called Trace Technology. Cambridge Consultants has partnered with Waymap to create a unique smartphone service that assists people who are blind or visually impaired to navigate through complex indoor spaces, such as public transport hubs and universities.

Trace is a breakthrough in indoor location tracking using the tiny, low-cost inertial sensors found in smartphones, coupled with ingenious data fusion algorithms. Crucially, Trace is not reliant on external references or GPS. Cambridge Consultants developed bespoke algorithms that harness its deep understanding of inertial sensors and the mechanics of human motion, gained from extensive work in fitness technology development. The system aims to locate the user to within half a meter - a single step – a new and necessary level of accuracy needed in order to deliver reliable audio navigation.

In 2019, Waymap tested and trialed the system in Los Angeles and New York. Product launch is scheduled for some time in 2020.

Subscribe to our updates and we'll keep you looped in as this and other exciting advances to greater independence in way-finding are explored.

Visit Gateway Navigation’s Website for more information about indoor and outdoor audio-based navigation systems and our services at: www.gnc3.com or email us at partners@gnc3.com

 

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