Australia’s Sunshine Coast Airport has become the country’s first to install digital accessible wayfinding solution BindiMaps.
It aids blind or vision-impaired passengers to easily navigate its facilities.
The BindiMaps technology was designed with input from hundreds of vision-impaired users.
The BindiMaps app uses Bluetooth beacons and smartphone sensors to offer users a choice of text, map view, or audio directions.
These guide users through the airport using accurate, real-time directions to any point.
SCA Operations GM, Kate McCreery-Carr said: “Having BindiMaps is a game changer. Our goal is to create a more accessible airport to feel welcome.
“While the technology can be used by anyone, the benefits it will provide to passengers who are blind or visually impaired will be significant.”
“Our goal is to make Sunshine Coast Airport the most accessible and inclusive in Australia.”
The installation of BindiMaps coincides with Queensland’s Year of Accessible Tourism, a campaign aimed at recognising the importance of accessible tourism experiences.
The service will also minimise the staffing burden of personalised assistance and help reduce late arrivals at the gates, says BindiMaps CEO Anna Wright.
BindiMaps has a similar function to Google Maps, but with 10 to 20 times greater accuracy than the Google satellites and GPS, the company says.
