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Using Technology to Overcome the Tyranny of Space: Information Provision and Wayfinding

Author

Listed:
  • Julian Hine

    (Transport Research Institute, Napier University, Redwood House, 66 Spylaw Road, Edinburgh, EHIO 5BR, UK, j.hine@napier.ac.uk;)

  • Derek Swan

    (Transport Research Institute, Napier University, Redwood House, 66 Spylaw Road, Edinburgh, EHIO 5BR, UK, dswan@ napier.ac.uk)

  • Judith Scott

    (Transport Research Institute, Napier University, Redwood House, 66 Spylaw Road, Edinburgh, EHIO 5BR, UK, j.scott@napier.ac.uk)

  • David Binnie

    (Transport Research Institute, Napier University, Redwood House, 66 Spylaw Road, Edinburgh, EHIO 5BR, UK, d.binnie@napier.ac.uk;)

  • John Sharp

    (Transport Research Institute, Napier University, Redwood House, 66 Spylaw Road, Edinburgh, EHIO 5BR, UK, j.sharp@napier.ac.uk)

Abstract

Urban wayfinding technology offers many possibilities by which older people and mobility-impaired users can overcome the barriers encountered on every-day journeys in the built environment. Previous work has highlighted the extent to which personal mobility and independence are significant determinants of the quality of life amongst both elderly and visually impaired groups. The paper outlines the development of the auditory location finder (ALF), which is a beacon-based local information system designed to enhance the wayfinding activities of these, and potentially other, user-groups in the community. The proposed system provides the user with an audio message, which is obtained on request via a small portable hand unit. The messages inform the user of their whereabouts and give information about the area that they are currently in. The development of the device involves issues such as message content and structure, route choice, orientation, landmarks, clues and the extent of user reliance on technology. Preliminary trials have been carried out in a UK city and have obtained initial user feedback to help underpin the technological development of the device and its potential application. The paper concludes by outlining the importance of new urban technology and the way in which such local information systems can potentially contribute to overcoming particular patterns of exclusion experienced by mobility-impaired groups, such as the visually impaired.

Suggested Citation

  • Julian Hine & Derek Swan & Judith Scott & David Binnie & John Sharp, 2000. "Using Technology to Overcome the Tyranny of Space: Information Provision and Wayfinding," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 37(10), pages 1757-1770, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:37:y:2000:i:10:p:1757-1770
    DOI: 10.1080/00420980020080381
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Golledge, Reginald G., 1992. "Place Recognition and Wayfinding: Making Sense of Space," University of California Transportation Center, Working Papers qt3s50w5bq, University of California Transportation Center.
    2. Young, Ruth, 1999. "Prioritising family health needs: a time-space analysis of women's health-related behaviours," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 48(6), pages 797-813, March.
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