AUSTRALIA. In a first for an Australian airport, Google has launched Indoor Live View at Sydney Airport.
The new augmented reality (AR) feature on Google Maps provides arrows, directions and distance markers superimposed on the camera view to assist wayfinding across the terminals.
Google Indoor Live View will help passengers locate gates, baggage claims, check-in counters, terminal transfer points, retail outlets, dining options, bathrooms, ATMs, and more, Sydney Airport said.
Visitors can also select the ‘Wheelchair accessible’ preference to find wheelchair, pram and suitcase friendly paths. They can also turn on audio navigation prompts, in addition to visual cues.
The new AR technology is compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
In early 2022, Google first began collecting indoor imagery during curfew hours across Sydney Airport’s T1 international and T2 and T3 domestic terminals, which together span more than 445,000sq m.
Capturing all the content was a mammoth task, Sydney Airport said. This included getting detailed imagery of close to 130 stores, over 70 F&B outlets, 62 gates and 55 bathrooms across the terminals
Sydney Airport Senior Manager Business Systems Belinda Scanlon, said: “This is a win for our passengers, who will be the first in Australia to benefit from this incredible new AR technology from Google.
“Whether travellers are looking for their gate, a bathroom or even a place to grab a bite to eat, they now have the directions they need at their fingertips.
“This is an especially great tool for travellers facing language barriers and accessibility needs, as it will help them navigate the airport more independently.”
Google Maps Group Product Manager Anthony Bertuca said: “Google Australia is proud to partner with Sydney Airport to launch Indoor Live View at Australia’s largest airport.
“This is a game-changer for people visiting Sydney Airport, as AR directions can help people have an enjoyable and smooth travel experience.
“It’s powered by a technology called global localisation, which uses AI to scan tens of billions of indoor Street View images to understand your orientation and provide assistance in real-time.” ✈
