Accessible GPS Navigation and Digital Map Information for Blind Consumers

Michael May

Abstract:	Mike May’s presentation will cover one of the most unique consumer applications of digital maps and GPS. It so happens that several aspects of a system for blind users have applicability to other disability groups as well as to the general public and even to the military. Because of the unique non-visual requirements of blind users, the system described in this presentation will shed some light on interfaces for other markets. He will talk about: * The importance of high-accuracy for pedestrian users; * Issues of using audio announcements in a vehicle and on the street, consider the tourism market; consider safety while driving; how much audio information is appropriate? * How well does voice command and control work in multiple environments? Blind people have many years of experience with talking interfaces, which will provide some insight into similar developments for products in mainstream markets. Although navigation technology may not yet provide 100 percent of the solution, there can be tremendous value in what it does offer particularly if the user interface is appropriately refined. The Sendero Group certainly understands the issues from the 4 years the talking map was on the market by Arkenstone as well as the recent release of the first ever GPS system for the blind in March 2000. Mike May will share what works in Sendero’s experience, what doesn’t work and what needs further development.
Published in:	Proceedings of the 13th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 2000) September 19 - 22, 2000 Salt Palace Convention Center Salt Lake City, UT
Pages:	317 - 319
Cite this article:	May, Michael, "Accessible GPS Navigation and Digital Map Information for Blind Consumers," Proceedings of the 13th International Technical Meeting of the Satellite Division of The Institute of Navigation (ION GPS 2000), Salt Lake City, UT, September 2000, pp. 317-319.
Full Paper:	ION Members/Non-Members: 1 Download Credit Sign In