Abstract
Purpose The study aims to promote independent mobility for persons with visual impairment or legal blindness (VIB) by developing a Web-based wayfinding application using geographic information systems (GIS). While the literature mainly focuses on technical devices presenting results for wayfinding, a lack of integration of user needs is identified. The inclusive, participative developed application offers step-by-step directions for pre-trip planning through an accessible user interface. Design/methodology/approach The paper presents a semi-automated approach to extract a pedestrian routing network data set based on open government data and field survey. User profiles calculate different routes using a weighting scheme for landmarks, orientation hints, infrastructure of crossings and sidewalks. The adoption of ArcGIS Web AppBuilder widgets allows access of the user interface additionally through keyboard-only navigation and therefore screen-reader capability. Findings GIS offers a powerful tool to design network analysis for persons with VIB. The routing algorithm accesses different user profiles, returning individualized turn-by-turn directions. The complex set of attributes, including shorelines, landmarks and barriers, can be integrated by semi-automated processes. Practical implications The paper illustrates the benefit of GIS applications for wayfinding of persons with VIB to raise self-determination and independence. Originality/value A ubiquitous pedestrian sidewalk network for a medium-size city comprises a novelty, as research has mainly focused on small areas. The integration of shorelines next to a various number of hints, landmarks and potential barriers through semi-automated processes allows reproducibility and transferability of the model to other cities.
Highlights
When finding oneself in a completely new environment or treading on unfamiliar paths, vision appears to be one of the most essential elements for orientation
This paper presents the development of a pedestrian routing network for an assistive Web application for wayfinding in urban areas designed toward the needs of people with visual impairment or legal blindness (VIB) using geographic information systems (GIS)
The main goal of this paper is to present a new GIS-based design for a pedestrian routing network and its implementation in a wayfinding application for persons with VIB in urban areas
Summary
When finding oneself in a completely new environment or treading on unfamiliar paths, vision appears to be one of the most essential elements for orientation. Besides well-established tools, such as the white cane, geospatial technology-based solutions for navigation are getting higher attention. Throughout the years, a broad variety of assistive devices, including navigation systems for enhancing orientation and mobility of persons with VIB, have been put forward (Fernandes et al, 2019; Real and Araujo, 2019). Tools to support orientation and navigation for wayfinding of persons with VIB can be divided in “traditional” assistive devices, technical respectively electronic tools and a combination of both. With an emerging information and communication technology (ICT), various approaches have been designed and developed to widen the spectrum of traditional devices.
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