GPS navigation systems have long been popular with users varying from tourists to executives on business trips, vehicle drivers, and even locals who can't recall their route from one location to another. However, having phones attached to dashboards or on center consoles, people must glance away from the road in order to get in the right direction. With that being both risky and costly, tech experts have addressed this issue through the integration of new automation within digital maps: augmented reality. Hang on as we drive you through what augmented reality navigation is and its benefits.

What is Augmented Reality Navigation?

While AR has been integrated into many fields such as eCommerce, healthcare, and education, it is now used in GPS systems. Augmented reality navigation apps are AR solutions that depend on geographical positioning that can pinpoint exact locations. They adopt GPS, digital navigation systems, motion recognition, and outdoor positioning systems to accomplish this. In addition, these applications are able to render virtual objects in images and make them visually systematic. This type of AR app does not display objects using still images but adopts a technology that makes virtual objects appear on the screen when the camera is moved around. Put in simple terms, drivers will be faced with a virtual path on their devices that makes sure they do not miss turns, without even taking their eyes off the road.

Benefits of using Augmented Reality Navigation

Security

This might not have crossed your mind, but augmented reality navigation can actually ensure your safety and others while driving. It not only helps you track passing vehicles’ size, type, and distance from you but also alerts you when sudden dangerous movements occur near you before you even notice the threat yourself. Additionally, integrating AR in such systems can be tremendously useful in times of emergency when rescue teams are on their way on a rescue mission.

Less time-consuming

Do you think traditional GPS navigation apps already save you much time by indicating the best routes to take? Think twice. With geo-based augmented reality applications, you will be provided with live data on traffic jams and nearby accidents, allowing you to plan your road ahead of time and save time. Also, effective indoor and outdoor navigation can help you find what you need faster not only while on a ride, but also in malls, airports, university campuses, and office buildings.

Tourists/Local experiences

Whether you are a tourist or even a local, you will be able to plan trips using augmented reality navigation. For example, if you decide to visit a historical museum, you can use these AR apps that draw you to the fastest and safest route to your destination and display information about this specific cultural site you are heading toward such as a short description of it, photos and videos of the interior, feedback from previous visitors about the place, and much more.

The future of Augmented Reality Navigation

AR is a strong tool for improving user experience in apps with navigation solutions. Besides the many benefits we have listed above, it can significantly increase driver attention by predicting threats and risks. Although current technologies are relatively far from a full-fledged AR experience, research is advancing quickly, and several corporations like Pioneer, BMW, and Toyota are working on navigation development. On another note, augmented reality in navigation is heavily reliant on advancements in the field of augmented reality. Therefore, the acceptance of AR navigation will be determined by improved user experience.

‍