In partnership with GoodMaps, the Port of Portland is pleased to announce the launch of GoodMaps Explore at Portland International Airport. The indoor navigation app, available for free on iOS and Android devices, will enable travelers with different needs, including people who are blind and low vision, deaf or hard of hearing, neurodiverse, or anyone trying to find their gate, navigate safely, efficiently, and independently through PDX.
“Making your way through a busy, international airport can be stressful, especially if you have sight issues or have trouble navigating large and complex buildings,” says Steve Nagy, director of airport operations at the Port of Portland. “We want everyone who passes through PDX to feel safe and have a positive experience while they’re here. This new resource means more options for travelers to get assistance and support in the way that feels right for them: with the app, they can get guidance while making their way around independently. We believe GoodMaps Explore will help more travelers and their loved ones feel more confident about their trips through PDX.”
GoodMaps Explore users at PDX will receive audio and visual directions to locations in the terminal, including restrooms, food options, retail outlets, water fountains, and charging stations throughout the ticket lobby, baggage claim, and Concourse E, which is served by Southwest Airlines and United Airlines. Directions will be provided in English, Spanish, or Canadia French. Plans are in the works to expand maps of the remainder of the PDX complex over the next several years.
“When I’ve traveled through PDX in the past, I’ve needed to rely heavily on the airline I’m flying with for assistance getting around the terminal,” says Pete De Vasto, member of the Port of Portland’s Accessibility Committee and traveler with total blindness. “With GoodMaps, I’ll be able to make my way around independently: The app will help me find restrooms or a place to eat while I wait to board my flight, and I’ll be able to get to baggage claim and ground transportation when I arrive back home without needing to request assistance. I hope other airports consider implementing GoodMaps—this kind of support will be game-changing for travelers with different needs.“
GoodMaps Explore was launched at PDX with the support and guidance of the Port of Portland’s Accessibility Committee, Oregon Commission for the Blind, Portland State University, Washington State School for the Blind, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. Portland International Airport is the second airport worldwide to partner with GoodMaps.
GoodMaps brings digital maps to life through the use of LiDAR mapping technology, computer vision, ML, and AI. With these foundational maps, GoodMaps builds solutions such as indoor navigation and positioning on top of these maps. The GoodMaps camera-based positioning does not require installation of any equipment or beacons and provides unparalleled precision of pinpointing a user’s location down to 3 feet of accuracy.
For additional information about Accessibility at Portland International Airport, visit www.FlyPDX.com/accessibility.
For more information about GoodMaps including the GoodMaps Explore app, visit www.goodmaps.com.
Source: Portland International Airport