Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to hold my phone in a particular way to get the best out of Waymap?

When using Waymap's SmartStep^TM system, users can put the cell phone into their trouser pocket, or hold the phone in front of them with their elbow at a 90 degree angle (in the texting position). We continue to improve our algorithms, and by using our app more you allow us to continually improve - isn't that great! We encourage users to keep the cell phone as still as possible, as it reduces any incorrect information being picked up by the phone's sensors, and allows our algorithms to give you the most accurate experience possible. The more the phone moves around, the more difficult it becomes for our algorithms to tell you where you need to go.

How do you make sure Waymap is accessible?

Waymap is designed for accessibility from the ground up. By far the most important driver for our user experience is measured compliance to the standards which the founders have developed through extensive experimentation and trial by the Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC) and with the wider blind and low-vision community. We believe this makes us the world's leading experts in audio-based navigation for people with vision impairments; but we also believe that ongoing and deep engagement with disability communities is vital. We have designed safety into our service from the ground up – specifically to enable our users to continue to use their primary safety aids without hindrance, be that their service dog or cane.And, by helping to set the standards for audio-navigation for blind and low-vision people, we have first-hand knowledge in how to construct and deliver instructions that are clear and unambiguous. Further, the user testing and standards compliance outlined above provides clear evaluation of the safety of the service prior to launch.Each time we deploy our services, we work closely with local orientation and mobility experts and stakeholder groups in order to learn more and ensure we continue to deliver the best practice for good and compliant user experience.

What type of phone do I need?

For Apple, we support iPhone 8 and above, while for Android we support Samsung S20, S21, S22 and S23. We also support Google Pixel 6 and above, although other Android phones may also work. We are on a journey to support more and more devices, to make our product truly work for everyone. The list of compatable devices will continue to grow.

How can I get Waymap in my school, workplace and community?

We need partnerships with the building owners to make Waymap available in your local hospital, mall, museum, sports stadium and beyond. You can tell them that you would like them to contact Waymap to see how we can make your community more accessible.

How can I get Waymap in my city?

Waymap's ambition is to be available everywhere, in every city, and to do this we need a partnership with the city government and the transport authorities. If you want Waymap to be available where you live, you can tell your local representatives that you would like them to deploy Waymap. You can also contact us.

Is my data secure?

Waymap takes a privacy first approach to user data that is benchmarked to, and complies with, California's new California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It is possible for users to use the App without entering any personal details and by default to not to share information with us, although the more information you give us, the more we can help everyone in your community to get get around.

Does the app require mobile signal?

Once the app (and maps for the venue and route that you are navigating, as well as any live feed information such as bus and train timetables) has been downloaded, Waymap does not require any external signals. No GPS, no Bluetooth and no mobile signal are required, meaning that Waymap can navigate you anywhere and you are never left without navigation instructions.

Who is Waymap for?

Waymap is designed for anyone, anywhere. The app began with the intention of providing a personal navigation app for persons with vision impairment. Since then, our offering has grown significantly. Just like designing the built environment to be accessible for people with disabilities helps everyone without disabilities, our accessible navigation app offers more functionality for everyone else too. Waymap is an app that will allow anyone to go anywhere.

How does it work?

Waymap has created a breakthrough technology that locates people accurately indoors and outside without signal or beacons, using only a smartphone. Our app uses the sensors already on your phone that measure movement, direction and elevation to navigate via dead-reckoning. To get technical, the core approach is a particle filter using probability theory and Bayesian statistics, enabling navigation via dead-reckoning. Waymap's technology is built on extensive ground-breaking work in this area.

Does the app only work inside?

Waymap works anywhere where we have the maps. Outdoor, indoor and underground, Waymap has you covered. Our vision is for the app to work across all cities on the planet, and every single indoor building that users navigate frequently. Most of the outdoor work has been done for us, so we are focused on everything else inside!

Do I have to pay for Waymap?

Waymap is free for you to use and we want to keep it free. We charge the city, the transport authority and building owners to deploy Waymap, maintain the maps of the venue and update the information for the navigation instructions.

What can Waymap do?

Waymap can guide you anywhere we have deployed our accessible city-wide, integrated transit experience. Waymap enables door to door, step by step, navigation instructions for support throughout the whole journey across buses, trains, metro systems, trams and on foot.

What Our Clients Say

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Evelyn Valdez

Even when I am underground, I am good, because Waymap doesn't need signal to function

Sarah

I have my faith in that app because I know that it’s going to get me to where I’ve got to go

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Brian Bushway

It's going to make it so much less daunting, to want to pick up my cane and start travelling out into new places, because somebody has already trailblazed the map in front of me!

Making any venue accessible to navigate

Want to find out more about how Waymap could make your building, transit network or venue more accessible?

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