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