MARIETTA, Ga. (Oct 9, 2018)
— Much like Google Maps collects information from motorists to plot out roadways, Kennesaw State University students are using data from smartphones to more efficiently map indoor spaces.
The research, conducted by Kennesaw State students Nick Murphy, Devan Patel, Drew Savas and Derek Martin, sought applications for a self-updating virtual map that could guide users through a space that experiences frequent changes to its layout, such as a museum or grocery store. Currently, developers must painstakingly take manual measurements of an interior before creating it virtually, which is problematic because it must be rebuilt each time the environment changes. The students hope the approach can be used on commercial applications as well as helping the visually impaired avoid obstacles in high-traffic areas.