The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) has become the first airport in the country to utilize technology that helps blind and visually-impaired users navigate indoors.
The airport is working with GoodMaps, a Louisville-based startup, to enable travelers with low vision to safely, efficiently and independently move through the Jerry E. Abramson Terminal, according to a news release.
“This is about providing a best-in-class experience for all our travelers, including those who are visually impaired,” said Dan Mann, executive director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, in the release. “We are proud to be the community’s gateway, providing a warm welcome and a less stressful environment that enhances the ease of going from the gate to baggage claim and onto the final destination.”
GoodMaps, formerly known as Access Explorer, uses mobile scanners to capture LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) point clouds and images, which then convert into digital maps of interiors of buildings. With the creation of a digital map, the startup’s accessible wayfinding app GoodMaps Explore helps blind and visually impaired users know where they can locate restrooms, food options, retail outlets, water fountains, charging stations and more while traveling.
"We are delighted to bring GoodMaps' technology to the Louisville Muhammed Ali International Airport and its travelers,” said Jose Gaztambide, CEO of GoodMaps, in the release. “The airport has long been a leading advocate and provider of accessible services and experiences to all its travelers, and they continue to be on the leading edge of technology to improve the traveler experience. We are grateful for their partnership and on-going commitment."
The partnership was announced in recognition of Global Accessibility Day, which is celebrated annually on the third Thursday in May. The airport released a video as a part of the announcement that explains how travelers can use the free app. You can check it out below.
“As we mark this year’s Global Accessibility Awareness Day, we want to help bring awareness to the importance of digital inclusion for anyone with an impairment or disability,” added Darrell Watson, senior vice president and chief experience officer for the Airport Authority. “GoodMaps is a not only a great local partner, but they are essential in making Louisville’s airport more accessible for not only blind and visually impaired visitors to our community, but our region’s travelers. We know with this tool, GoodMaps Explore users can easily get to where they need to go, find what they are looking for and have a positive experience at SDF.”
Earlier this year, GoodMaps was named as one of KY Inno's Startups to Watch in 2022. At that time, the company had raised roughly $6.5 million and its notable investors included American Printing House for the Blind, National Federation of the Blind, HumanWare and Canadian National Institute for the Blind.
