Wayfinding app BindiMaps touches down inside Sunshine Coast airport

Seamlessly navigating Sunshine Coast Airport’s (SCA) facilities has become much easier for its 1.62 million annual passengers, with SCA becoming the first Australian airport to install inclusive wayfinding app BindiMaps in a bid to become one of the country’s most accessible airports.

Deploying sophisticated navigation algorithms and a network of Bluetooth beacons and smartphone sensors, the mobile navigation app gives users of all abilities a choice of accurate, real-time and step-by-step text, map view, or audio directions to help guide them through the airport or any other complex indoor space.

Co-founder and CEO Dr Anna Wright came up with the idea for BindiMaps to change the lives of people with disabilities and vision impairment after undergoing years of major surgery to save her own eyesight.

Alongside BindiMaps co-founders CCO Mladen Jovanovic and CPO Tony Burrett, Dr Wright launched the Sydney startup in 2017.

The app offers 10-20 times higher accuracy than Google’s GPS and has already been installed at the Budapest airport, where BindiMaps won a worldwide tender to offer digitally accessible wayfinding services to its over 12 million yearly passengers as part of Europe’s DANOVA project to support blind and visually impaired passengers in transport hubs.

Dr Wright said that BindiMaps was thrilled to help Sunshine Coast Airport passengers, staff, and visitors precisely navigate the entire airport with ease and accuracy — especially those with a vision impairment or disability.

“We are so excited to be able to work with Sunshine Coast Airport to be the first airport in Australia to implement BindiMaps,” she said. 

“With BindiMaps, all visitors, regardless of ability or disability, will be able to independently navigate the airport without having to ask others where different things are. 

“Even if you are familiar with the airport, we might be able to find you something that you never knew was even there.”

Dr Wright added that BindiMaps is rolling out across Australia.

Dr Anna Wright of BindiMaps. Source: Supplied

“We work with anyone who has a large, complicated indoor public space,” she said.

“We work with shopping centres, hospitals, universities, office buildings, and of course, public transport hubs like the Sunshine Coast Airport. 

“We are in discussions with other airports across the country, and look forward to seeing more and more places BindiMapped, and accessible to everyone, regardless of ability or disability.”

By 2040, total direct employment at the Sunshine Coast Airport is expected to grow from 530 to 2,400 direct jobs and directly contribute an estimated $307 million to Australia’s GDP and $460 million in total. 

Sunshine Coast Airport General Manager Operations Kate McCreery-Carr said BindiMaps was a game changer for the airport.

“Having BindiMaps installed at Sunshine Coast Airport is really exciting as our goal is to create a more accessible airport, where all passengers feel welcome, included, and confident when travelling,” she said. 

“Installing BindiMaps at the airport will benefit all passengers and visitors, providing them with the means to seamlessly navigate to key locations in the terminal including check-in, security, shops, eateries, and departure gates. 

“While all passengers can use BindiMaps, the benefits it will provide to those who are blind or visually impaired will be significant, allowing them to navigate our terminal with greater ease and accuracy from the moment they enter to the moment they leave.

“One of the many benefits of BindiMaps is its adaptability, which is crucial as we grow and expand into the future. With BindiMaps, we can update maps, routes and other relevant passenger information ensuring that passengers have the most accurate information no matter the situation.”