Accessible Global Positioning System (GPS) and Related Orientation Technologies

One of the better-developed technologies for pinpointing a person’s location is the global positioning system (GPS). This US positioning technology has been widely exploited in many consumer applications and over future years alternative systems will become available for use (notably the European Galileo system). The success of a system for use by the visually impaired will depend on the accessibility of the interface design and the value of the information imparted to the user. This case study chapter looks at all the issues from the simple principles of GPS technology through to interface design, development and testing and finally the commercialisation aspects of marketing the end product accessible GPS device and system. The chapter is based on the authors’ joint and direct experience of developing and then marketing an accessible GPS product for visually impaired people.