Mobile navigation for limited mobility users

Abstract

Modern information technology can improve life in many places and situations in our society. This includes the improvement and simplification of life for people with special needs. We have developed a mobile navigation tool called Wheel Scout, which combines modern mobile information technology, such as smartphones and their programming, with existing navigational technology, meeting the goal to serve specific needs for people with special needs. In comparison toexisting tools, we concentrate on barrier-free routes rather than barrier-free buildings and our enhancements include: (a) the marking of barriers on a chosen route, (b) an intelligent computation of a detour in case the chosen route contains barriers, (c) the customization of the app by defining your personal profile(s), (d) the opportunity to include both static as well as temporary barriers, and (e) a high degree of interactivity which enhances the app steadily. © 2014 Springer International Publishing Switzerland.