Key Takeaways
- Using voice guidance allows you to use your ear more to get directions from Google Maps.
- You may also set Google Maps to work with Google Assistant.
- On-phone settings like brightness display and contrast mode could help visibility.
Method 1: Use Voice Guidance
Google Maps’ voice guidance feature specifically focuses on people with visual impairments. This technology transforms the digital map into an auditory experience, helping visually impaired users navigate their surroundings confidently and independently.
Once the user inputs their destination via voice commands or manual typing, Google Maps provides clear and concise verbal instructions. The following highlights what the instructions may include:
- Distance to the next turn
- The direction of the turn (left, right, or straight)
- Type of road (e.g., pedestrian crossing, roundabout)
- Nearby landmarks or points of interest
- Estimated time of arrival
- Obstacle awareness (e.g., stairs and uneven terrain).
Visually impaired persons benefit from Google Maps in the following ways:
- Voice guidance helps visually impaired individuals navigate unfamiliar places with more confidence.
- It allows them to explore new locations independently, even without sighted assistance.
- Users can rely on voice instructions rather than looking at the screen, making it a convenient option for those who prefer a screen-free experience.
- The heads-up warnings at intersections enhance safety during walks.
- Real-time updates and warnings about obstacles contribute to a safer navigation experience.
- Users can customize voice guidance settings to meet user preferences and needs.
- Clear and concise instructions optimize travel time and reduce the risk of getting lost.
- Integration with public transport schedules and routes makes commuting accessible.
Method 2: Use Google Assistant Integration
Through Google Assistant integration, Google Maps significantly enhances accessibility for visually impaired individuals. Google Assistant acts as an interpreter between the user and Google Maps, transforming visual information into auditory cues, making the map accessible and interactive.
Google Assistant performs the following roles in Google Maps:
- Users can verbally describe their destination, such as “Take me to the nearest hotel.”
- Google Assistant provides step-by-step directions, announcing street names, turns, and distances.
- Users can ask about nearby businesses, amenities, or landmarks.
- Google Assistant can provide details like opening hours, ratings, and directions.
- Google Assistant can offer information about bus stops, train stations, and departure times.
- Real-time traffic conditions can be accessed through voice commands, helping users avoid congestion.
Method 3: Use Audio Cues
Google Maps incorporates audio cues to revolutionize how visually impaired persons interact with their surroundings. It uses audio cues for walking trips. These persons receive the said cues while navigating. The cues are valuable in the following ways:
- Google Maps proactively notifies users about the correct route, the distance to the next turn, and your walking direction.
- When approaching intersections, the app warns to cross with added caution.
- The map reroutes and notifies the user if they accidentally leave your intended route.
- The update helps to move around and boost confidence when traveling alone.
Method 4: Integrate Haptic Feedback Using Third-party Tools Translation
Integrating haptic feedback for visually impaired users in Google Maps involves using third-party tools or apps that provide tactile sensations. Some apps specialize in providing this feature for navigation, which users can install alongside Google Maps.
The app generates vibrations or other cues to signal turns, intersections, and distances when following directions. Users can tailor vibration patterns to their needs, like a short buzz for a left turn and a longer one for a right turn.
Many visually impaired users link Bluetooth devices, such as smartwatches, to their phones for haptic feedback on their wrist or body, aiding navigation. A third-party app syncs with Google Maps to convert route info into haptic signals, providing real-time feedback that boosts spatial awareness.
The benefits of this method include the following:
- Haptic feedback provides additional information beyond audio cues, helping users stay on track.
- Tactile feedback allows users to focus on the environment rather than constantly checking their phone screen.
- Visually impaired individuals can confidently explore new places and travel independently with haptic cues.
While Google Maps doesn’t directly offer haptic feedback, integrating third-party tools can remarkably improve the navigation experience for visually impaired users.
Method 5: Integrate Screen Reader Compatible Apps
Screen readers convert visual information into audible cues. Google Maps is designed to be compatible with popular screen readers like VoiceOver (iOS) and TalkBack (Android). It becomes a powerful tool for visually impaired individuals when used with screen readers and Braille displays.
For those proficient in Braille, Google Maps can also be paired with Braille displays to provide tactile feedback by raising or lowering pins to represent text. When connected to a smartphone, a Braille display can relay navigation instructions in real-time.
The benefits of this method include the following:
- Screen readers empower visually impaired users to navigate confidently without relying solely on sighted assistance.
- Integrating Braille displays ensures that users proficient in Braille can access navigation information seamlessly.
Method 6: Adjust Device Font Size
Reading small text on a smartphone screen can be a significant obstacle for visually impaired individuals. Adjusting the font size on a device can significantly enhance accessibility for visually impaired users when using Google Maps. The benefits of this method include the following:
- Increase the font size in your device settings to magnify the text in Google Maps and other apps, making labels, street names, and directions more readable.
- Larger fonts make identifying streets, landmarks, and points of interest more effective for visually impaired users.
- The larger font ensures that turn-by-turn instructions are legible when planning a route.
- Users can easily read reviews, ratings, and other details about places.
Method 7: Use High Contrast Mode
In addition to adjusting the font size, Google Maps, combined with High Contrast Mode and Voice Guidance, powerfully enables visually impaired persons to navigate the world independently and confidently. You can enable this high contrast mode in the phone settings. Once done, it offers the following benefits:
- High Contrast Mode improves the visibility of text and icons, making the app easier to read and navigate.
- Users can find places, get directions, and explore the world without relying on others.
- Coupled with voice guidance, it provides clear instructions, helping users avoid obstacles and make informed decisions while navigating.
Before you go, do you know that Google Chrome is no longer available on the Microsoft Store? However, you can still download it safely using the methods discussed in our article. And for fans of Google Docs, you can create a better report with any of our nine tips.
