Google Maps can help you get virtually anywhere, but after arriving at a desired location, you're on your own. Indeed, students who've gotten lost on campus or tourists navigating a packed mall may wish that turn-by-turn directions existed for the indoors, too.
MappedIn seeks to address this problem. Created by students at the University of Waterloo in Canada, the startup produces 3D mapping and navigation software for indoor spaces.
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Users can navigate through complex venues using smartphones and touch-sensitive kiosks. For example, interactive maps replace the static versions common in most malls, so users can simply scan a destination with their smartphone, and take the directions with them.
What's more, each store in a mall has its own profile page, including information like hours of operation, contact information and services offered. Users can also turn on notifications about upcoming events and promotions.
"Our 3D maps are built based on the floor plan of location," MappedIn's creators told Mashable in an email. "Our directions are landmark-based, giving the user the experience of having a friend help them navigate the indoors."
The company added that its software is customizable for any venue.
MappedIn is currently available at several locations in Canada, and aims to expand to the U.S. next year (although U.S. consumers can download the app now). The service works for both Android and iPhone.
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