The LookAround GPS From Sendero and the Ariadne GPS: Two iPhone Apps That Increase Independence for Blind and Visually Impaired Travelers
By Ingber, Janet; Access World, Volume 12, Number 12Publication Date: December 2011
Article reviews two GPS iPhone applications in terms of usability to blind and visually impaired travelers. (1) The Ariadne GPS app features buttons for location finding at the bottom left corner of the iPhone screen. The “Where Am I” button, when activated, gives the street and address of the user’s location, although the address may be several feet from where the user is standing. A “Look Around” button displays a virtual map on the screen. The app is also able to alert the user when approaching a previously designated location. Occasionally, Ariadne was found to have difficulty accurately identifying a previous cross street. (2) On The LookAround GPS app, the control buttons are on the left side of the screen, including a “LookAround and a “Nearest Cross Street” button. The app can be programmed to say a location, including the address, nearest cross street, and compass direction by shaking the iPhone in a figure eight pattern. However, the app does not say whether the nearest cross street is behind or ahead of the user. Overall, both apps were found to be easy to use and good at location finding.
Published by: AFB Press (Website:http://www.afb.org/Section.asp?SectionID=46)
American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) (Web Site: http://www.afb.org )
Link to text: http://afb.org/afbpress/pub.asp?DocID=aw121204
