In a first for an Australian airport, Google has launched its Indoor Live View at Sydney Airport (SYD).
Accessible within the company’s Google Maps software, it uses augmented reality (AR) to provide arrows, directions and distance markers on travellers’ phone screens via the device’s in-built camera.
This tool is now available in both international and domestic terminals at the airport.
The feature is compatible with both Android and iOS devices and aims to help passengers find key locations within the terminals such as gates, baggage claims, check-in counters, terminal transfer points, bathrooms and more.
“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.”
Accessibility options include route preferences, which can highlight the locations of wheelchair, pram and suitcase-friendly paths, as well as audio navigation prompts.
Google commenced image capture for the project in early 2022, operating during curfew hours across SYD’s T1 international and T2 & T3 domestic terminals. The process included gaining detailed imagery of nearly 130 retail stores, more than 70 food and drink outlets, 62 gates and 55 bathrooms across a combined 445,000 m2.
“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.”
