Augmented Reality (AR) enhances navigation in both indoor and outdoor environments by overlaying digital information onto the real world through devices like smartphones and AR glasses. For outdoor navigation, applications utilize GPS data along with real-time images to provide users with visual cues, such as arrows or paths, superimposed on their camera feeds. For instance, apps like Google Maps’ Live View feature can show users the best route by placing directional arrows directly on the streets they should follow, making it easier to navigate unfamiliar areas.
In indoor environments, AR addresses the challenge of limited GPS functionality due to obstacles like walls and ceilings. Instead, AR navigation systems use technologies like Bluetooth beacons, Wi-Fi triangulation, and computer vision to determine a user’s location within a building. For example, in a large shopping mall, an AR app can show users directions to a particular store by displaying a line or a moving dot over a live camera view of the mall. This direct visual guidance helps users find their way without needing to decipher complicated floor plans or signage.
Moreover, AR can enhance user interaction through additional context and information. For example, if navigating to a museum, an AR application can highlight various exhibits along the way and provide details when the user points their device at them. This interactive approach not only assists in navigation but also enriches the user experience by blending information with the physical environment. By using AR for navigation, both outdoor and indoor settings become more accessible and intuitive for users.